I’m turning over in my head Jesus’s saying that he came not to bring peace but a sword (Matthew 10:34). I’m thinking it has something to say to me about learning how to take a stand–perhaps even how to face evil. We left-of-center Christians are often about peace. What does this saying have to teach us (without explaining it away intellectually)? I figured this crew might have some ideas.
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Rev Bev | 08-Jan-07 at 3:07 pm | Permalink
Most people are comfortable in their spiritual sleepwalking. It is easy to follow the status quo and (pretend) assume they will be taken care of by some grand beneficent government. Or, else remain in their sleep because it is too too terrifying to confront the powers and principalities. Thus, when Jesus says he brings a sword, for me it means be prepared to do battle with those who want to keep you silent so they can remain asleep. Opening our eyes and awaking to our own responsibility, to our complicity in the evils around us is a fearsome thing. If folks believed in grace then there would be no need for the swords to try to silence people. But we don’t. That is my view.