Peace and Fire

 Zechariah 4-6; Luke 12 

“I have come to bring fire on the earth…Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other…”

Luke 12:49, 51, 52

Jesus came to the earth to bring salvation from the penalty of sin. Those who receive this Gospel also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, the fire of God. The fire of the Spirit’s presence burns with worship to God and convicts us of sin. The Gospel of peace separates and divides because not everyone will embrace it. Those who find peace with God through Christ, find their family members and closest friends sometimes opposing them. The peace of God in Christ is not peace at all costs. Rather, this peace is found after the surrender of our sin and our will to God, and we have the infilling of his Holy Spirit. This peace is real, and it’s costly, but worth it.

Have we experienced this peace, this fire, and this price?

“Lord Jesus, you are my peace. Fill me with your Spirit’s presence and fire for your glory.”