During our daily meditations over the coming month, we will focus on the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus extensively discussed the events preceding His glorious return. Among the things He mentioned were that families would face division and that a fire would occur on Earth:
49"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law" (Luke 12:49-53).
The Reality of Family Division
This writer interprets the division mentioned in the Scripture passage as foreshadowing a future time, and maybe here today, when families will be torn apart by political disagreements or reactions to the latest health crisis. It could also represent internal family conflicts over beliefs about the Second Coming of Christ or the true Messiah's identity. Additionally, another passage in Revelation depicts a period when division will occur as many accept the Mark of the Beast. Some will side with the world's rule under the Antichrist, while others will resist (Revelation 13:16-17).
Jesus and the "Consuming Fire"
Regarding Jesus bringing fire on the earth (v. 49), some interpret this as referring to the Holy Spirit, who appeared on Pentecost as tongues of fire over the heads of believers (Acts 2:3). However, I find this interpretation less convincing. Instead, I believe Jesus longs for a future time when fire and judgment on the world's evil will end, making way for righteousness and justice to prevail.
Reconciling Mercy with Justice
Many people see Jesus as meek, mild, loving, kind, and compassionate to everyone, believing He wouldn’t hurt a fly. However, Scripture also says that “our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). When people think of Jesus, they often picture His birth in a stable or, perhaps, His death on the cross for the sins of the world. Many find it hard to reconcile the image of the Lord Jesus using a whip, overturning tables, and showing anger toward corruption and injustice. The idea of an angry Savior does not sit well with many.
Preparation for the Day of the Lord
The time is approaching when the Lord will return for His people and, at the same time, bring the fire of His judgment and justice to Earth. Peter the Apostle writes about this period when he talks about what will happen on the Day of the Lord.
The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10 KJV; emphasis added).
The Lord Jesus longs for His bride; therefore, He desires that the fire be kindled soon. Wrongdoings will be corrected. God will no longer tolerate sin and injustice. The vindication that many have awaited will finally come.
"And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, 'They are My people,' And they will say, 'The LORD is my God'" (Zechariah 13:9).
Finally, we will be home with the Lord. “Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed” (Psalm 34:5). I long for that day, and I hope you do too. Until then, instead of fearing the "fire," look forward to the "refining." Use this month to pray for those in your family who don't know the Lord, viewing the coming days not just as a time of trial, but as an opportunity for God to "refine" hearts like gold. Keith Thomas.
Continue Your Journey…
If you found this meditation meaningful, maybe you’d like to explore the study: How Do I Become a Christian, or maybe what Jesus said about: “You Must Be Born Again,” or even: How Can I Be Sure of My Faith?
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