IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Holy Passion

Date: Jul. 21, 2023

Passage

Luke 12:49-59

Not Peace, but Division

49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Interpreting the Time

54 He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

Settle with Your Accuser

57 “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. 59 I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Luke 12:49

“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!

Jesus is often seen as graceful and peace-loving, which he is. But Jesus also came to light a fire on the earth. Here, fire may refer to a spirit of righteous indignation, especially towards the corrupt religious and political leaders. They are those who are supposed to be the overseers of God's people, analogous to a father and mother. Times are changing when a new generation should boldly rise to challenge the hypocrisy, injustice, and negligence of those in power. Jesus’ death and resurrection and the spirit of God continues to ignite us today against all injustice to advance God’s kingdom.

Jesus also warns us to be aware of the times. We aren't meant to live in a church or Bible bubble, safe from the world and the culture that surrounds us all. We are called to be engaged with the world with humility and courage in meaningful ways. Leaders should take the time to understand the world with wisdom and compassion. Sometimes we are called to confront our own sin and how we have wounded others due to our own pride and agenda. Jesus warns that we do this before we are held accountable with no mercy.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, may your resurrection be our strength and hope to confront our sin and engage with the powers of evil in the world with wisdom and courage.

One Word: One Word: Light a fire in us.

Daily Bread

God Stills the Conflict

Psalm 76:1-12

Key Verse: 76:6

At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
both rider and horse lay stunned.

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