URC Daily Devotion Friday 14 February 2025

St Luke 12: 49-53

Jesus said ‘I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!  I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed!  Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!  From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three;  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.’

Reflection

My husband is really bad at Valentine’s day. Not even a garage bought, last minute panic, card. If you asked, they would offer some defence about showing me they love me everyday (which to be fair they do) and about prioritizing our marriage even when there are other things going on. Fine, but a girl still likes to get chocolates and a card on February 14th!
 
I wonder how many Valentine’s cards have been sent with today’s verse on them? I’m guessing not many.  Division is part of our usual, comfortable, February 14th vocabulary. Love though is not always comfortable, and perhaps love of Christ is a dividing line of sorts.  A division not created by hatred or bias, but of a deep and holy love. Love tempered in a fire, burning away impurities, heating lukewarm faith, love standing firm in its truth. Love after all, is not always comfortable, and love can be costly.
 
Today we are reminded that loving and following Jesus  as disciples is not always comfortable, and comes at a cost. It means prioritising living for Jesus even when it feels uncomfortable.  It means walking the way even when it’s uphill, uncomfortable and raining. Being a disciple even when it causes division from our friends or family. Letting our faith be refined in the fire.
 
Perhaps my husband has it right, discipleship like a marriage is a covenant of commitment, love and sacrifice every day. They both demand loyalty and devotion, even when division occurs.  Whatever our relationship status, Gods love is eternal and steadfast.
 
Prayer

Loving God,
You call us into a relationship with you
wholehearted, steadfast and devoted.
Help us to embrace discipleship
despite division or discomfort.
Kindle the flames in our hearts
and refine us to burn brightly.

Amen