Peace or Division?

The African Union are seeking to bring the two sides in Libya together, and to broker  a ceasefire. Time will tell whether they have been successful, but the signs are that the rebels will not tolerate any solution that leaves Colonel Gaddafi is charge. Division seems more likely than peace.
In France, while the vast majority from all sections of the country are in favour of the new law banning the wearing of the burqa in public, there will be some who will see this move as divisive. The stated aim is to bring  peace and unity.
But Jesus made an astonishing claim, which we don't often take seriously. '“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.' (Matthew 10.34) What is he telling us? Surely Jesus is not telling us to get into fights with others. What about peace-making?
He goes on to reflect on the realities of whole-hearted discipleship. '‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!’
“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.' (Matthew 10.35-39) These are tough words.
In her sermon yesterday, Chris Harrison pointed out that Jesus is not looking for conditional commitment from us - 'I will follow you if . . . ', or 'I will follow you when . . . '.
He isn't looking for a place in the rankings of our loyalties. He is either first or nowhere - before family, career, popularity or pleasure. That is the challenge he is setting out.
Are we ready for that sort of discipleship? The next 2 weeks, as we take time to read and reflect on the road to the Cross, will show us what He did for us, to deserve such a response from us.
Best wishes,
Richard