“The RoseBouquet”

This longer passage is about acknowledging Jesus and that we love Him, in the presence of people who will mistreat us for that. If we do not acknowledge Him as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus will not admit to knowing us before God the Father in Heaven. He says He’ll disown such a one.

Then comes a very hard part of this passage to grasp. Jesus says He has come to divide family members and set them one against each other. A man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and in-laws against each other too. Truthfully, often the hardest people to get along with in natural or in Christian life, are those of our own families.

But why would Jesus say He came to do this? Didn’t He also say He came to make families whole? Or is He saying that His coming will have that effect on people since some will choose for, and some will choose against Him? The divisions then, are what is likely to happen, but wholeness and unity in our families is still His desire and ultimate plan.

There’s a difference between intending to divide, and the cause and effect of His coming into only the responsive hearts.

This is an understanding that brings me hope. I trust it does for you too. Our dear Lord does not desire us to strive with others, but they will strive with us, and cause grief. Let us see to it that we are not the perpetrator of the quarrels and disagreements.

We are to make the Lord our main priority regardless of what our family members think, say or do to us. If you have to make a choice, choose to obey the Lord no matter what the cost.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I am so relieved at this insight. It is inconsistent with Your nature to cause us to be at war with our own family members. Yet it happens. I want to be worthy of You, Lord, so when I’m forced to choose, I will choose You, no matter what. It may sure look like I’m losing my life, but You said - this is when I’ll truly find it! I’m counting on You to make it so. Amen.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear, falling on my ear…. Ruthe’s Secret Roses, my novel, illustrates that dear song!