Luke 12:49-59  Division.. not something that we desire...for we value unity and community more.. especially in the context of the church.. but Jesus spoke about division saying, " Do you suppose I came to grant peace on earth?  I tell you , no, but rather division;"  Division - parting; disunion; dissension.

Jesus said there would be division in families: "father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother... ."  And if division is among families it is even greater among countrymen and nations.. as we see very clearly in our day.

The cause of this division will be Jesus Himself. Some will join themselves with Him and some will not. Those who were able to discern or "judge" what is right.. able to reconcile with God and put their faith in Jesus soon realize that not everyone appreciates their beliefs and life in the Lord. In some places the division causes hatred,  disinheritance, and even murder. Even here in our "free" country there is hostility towards believers.  I've seen it and you probably have  too.  

Paul wrote to Timothy about this .. "But realize that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable ... " etc. ( II Timothy 3: 1-3)  There will be division.  There will be times we cannot be reconciled to each other.. but.. in spite of that we are still commanded to love.. to preach the Word.. and to seek peace.. as far as it depends on us.  ( Romans 12) 

Will we be found faithfully serving the Lord in this way when He returns? I pray so!

Father in heaven, grant to us strength to persevere in doing right. Grant us discernment and patience that we might keep on loving and serving others even when they are hostile to our faith. Have Your way in our lives Lord Jesus that we may be found faithful when You return to take us Home. We ask all of this in Your Name. Amen.