As these end of days unfold, life is becoming more extreme. Everything around us is in turmoil and chaos, and yet the people of YHWH have a peace in knowing these are signs of Messiah's return. One of the things that is becoming more noticeable is the strife amongst families. We have different social labels for it, but the reality is, Messiah addressed this while He was walking this earth. In the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5, we are given the instruction to love our enemy. Then just five chapters later, Matthew records in chapter 10 that our foe would be of our own household. It clearly states that children will be against parents and family members against family members.
There are many who are in pain over family situations, but just like wars and rumors of wars, this is a sign of the times in which we are living. In any given day, I think I receive more prayer requests regarding family discord than any other need. We tend to trust other issues in our lives to socially acceptable solutions, but as we grapple with the pain of family dysfunction, we know only G-d can bring reconciliation or comfort.
As we continue to read farther in Matthew, and Mark also confirms that many of us will be called to give up everything, including family to follow Messiah. Luke included a stern warning as well to keep our priorities in perspective when it comes to Messiah and family. This is not a matter I take lightly, nor am I excluded from experiencing the pain of my foe being of my own household. I was not a follower of Messiah when I was raising my family, and when I became one, it definitely brought division. Being Torah Observant has proven to have the family members who are mega-church Christians, dissatisfied with me as well.
To be honest, I'm not praying for family unity or reconciliation. I'm praying that my family has eyes to see and ears to hear. I did a great disservice to my kids in my ignorance. As for the religious family members, I can't be in unity with those who staunchly and religiously oppose what I've been shown. Our spiritual beliefs are core to our being. That's where it becomes easier to see why Messiah said what he did. When neighbors or co-workers have their gatherings around non-Scriptural festivities and serve a non-kosher menu, we're not affected, personally. When one who keeps kosher and celebrates Biblical feasts doesn't attend a family gathering or chooses to omit bacon in the green beans, that's a family feud in the making. Although I care about people, what someone feeds their grandchild is none of my business, but what my grandchildren eat does seem like it should be my business, but . . . it isn't.
Would I love to have fellowship with family? Absolutely! True healing in our family would be wonderful, and would indeed be a miracle. I know YHWH is able to bring about unity and reconciliation, but I also know we are living in the end of days. Three of my grandchildren have been introduced to Messiah and taught Torah, I even had the privilege of baptizing them. They have been intentionally led away from Torah, which grieves me greatly. I think of the passage of Scripture that addresses the severity of misleading children.
Having experienced Matthew 10:35-36 personally in dealing with New Testament only, grace vs. law Christians; they find me to be the problem. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter
against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. I, of course, first saw it from the opposite perspective, but the reality is, it's truth in both directions. I do find it curious that my mother in mainstream mega-church Christianity and my daughter in the adult entertainment industry both agree that I am the one that needs to change my views . . .
Trying times, we are living in.
wonderful hon !!
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