Putting away the Sword

Q: Matthew 10:34 states that Jesus came not to bring peace but rather a sword and to set a man at variance against his father and to bring division to everyone. Why aren`t these words spoken of or preached anywhere? I look around and see countless families divided and sons killing fathers and mothers killing their children just as Jesus told was going to happen. Jesus was right when He said, you didn`t believe the prophets or Moses so why would you believe one that was risen from the dead? And also, when Jesus told Jerusalem that their house was desolate is that the way it is today? According to the prophets, the priest and pastors and all of Israel are desolate. Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 13, Hosea 4 Malachi 2 am I to believe the prophets or man?

A: I don't know how many churches you have visited or teachers you have listened to that makes you say that Matthew 10:34 is not being preached anywhere. But, I would bet your experience can be traced to the growing trend towards compromise of biblical truth and political correctness we have in the world today. Much of the so-called Christian church and the world don't want to hear truth regarding Jesus Christ. Aside from this verse in Matthew what else did Jesus say that people don't want to hear. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6)." Mention that faith in Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven and you will be rebuked and met with scorn. The world wants to hear things that support false beliefs like "all roads lead to heaven" and "all truth is God's truth." Your average person desires to be accepted by others and one of the quickest ways to do so is to compromise what they believe. I have heard it said that if you are not being attacked for your Christian beliefs, from the world, then you might not be telling the truth.

We shouldn't be surprised by people avoiding passages like these. Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own (John 15:18-19)." Mankind lives to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Therefore, if preaching the truth about Jesus causes pain then many will not do it in order to be loved by the world. I have been called "close-minded" and that I see things too "black and white" because of my stand for the truth of the Word of God. But, honestly, it is an act of love to stand for the truth because for those lost and spiritually blind it may the only time they are exposed to Jesus Christ. Furthermore, something is either true or it isn't. The truth and reliability of the Bible all comes down to what you believe about Jesus Christ. He said He was God, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of the world and rose from the grave to offer the life of God to all who believe. If none of that is true than the whole of Scripture falls flat. But, we know it is true and if we don't preach it that says more about the faith of the individual than it does Jesus Christ. Remember this, "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God (James 4:4)."

In Matthew 23:38, Jesus declared "Look, your house is left to you desolate." The disobedience of Israel to God is a constant theme throughout scripture. Often times it led to them being led into ruin. They were enslaved, not allowed to enter the promise land and been scattered across the world. Jesus' words here are a reiteration of what was said in the books 1 Kings and in Jeremiah. "I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples (1 Kings 9:7-8)." "But if you do not obey these commands, declares the LORD, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin (Jeremiah 22:5)." In both cases Israel was punished for not obeying God's commands. However, the biggest act of disobedience Israel committed is their unbelief in Jesus Christ. Their rejection of Jesus led to the salvation of the Gentiles as well as the death of Jesus Christ. There is no alternative for disobeying God than to suffer the consequences. God still loves Israel and is faithful to them despite all their disobedience. In many ways it is a picture of God's faithfulness to believers despite our struggles .

Obviously, you should listen to the prophets rather then men. But, more importantly you should listen to the Holy Spirit. Other than End Time events there is not any prophecy left to be fulfilled that hasn't been fulfilled in Christ. However, as Christians, we have the life of God indwelling us and it will lead us and guide us throughout our lives. The Bible refers to Christians as "Christ's ambassador's." We in effect are representing the Kingdom of God to a foreign world. With that in mind is it any wonder that the world hates us, doesn't want to hear the whole truth about Jesus, and that compromising churches and teachers want to be selective about what they teach and promote? "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3)." We can't reach the world with the Gospel if we don't preach it. And most Christians don't preach it because they don't know it. It is too easy to teach a false gospel that doesn't preach the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, is tolerant of sin and desires the acceptance of the world. Rejoice in the fact that you are aware of this and may I encourage you to be a light to the world and the Church.