Wonder Of Advent #4 - The Wonder of Advent Devotional

Read: Matthew 10:34-36

Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

Matthew 10:34

THE NIGHT OF JESUS’ BIRTH, the angels declared “peace on earth” to the shepherds in the fields (Luke 2:14). But Jesus said peace was not his mission. Why the discrepancy? Because God does want peace—the shalom of his Kingdom—to invade the hearts and lives of those who seek him. But it’s also clear that the message of Jesus would be controversial to many, exposing hearts and dividing loyalties. Humanity will never be fully united in faith before God makes all things visible at the end of the age. Yes, he wants us to be at peace—in him. But many will not accept peace on those terms. The Messiah’s mission was—and still is—contested.

REFLECTION

In what ways do you see opposition to Jesus’ mission today? How does it play out in your life?