April 05 2025

Saturday April 05

Watching, Waiting, Working, and Warring

Luke 12:49-53

49 "I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! 51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Welcome to today’s pastor’s chat on Luke 12, where Jesus speaks to the heart of what it means to follow Him in a broken world. As believers, we are called to wait, watch, and work for His kingdom, but this calling comes with a challenge: it won’t be easy. We are aliens in enemy territory, living as stewards of God’s grace while engaged in a spiritual war. Jesus doesn’t shy away from this reality—He confronts it head-on, addressing the struggles that threaten to derail us and the battles we must face.

First, Jesus warns against hypocrisy, covetousness, worry, and fear. These creep into our lives when we pretend to be something we’re not, when we chase the things of this world over the things of God, or when we let anxiety take root. Coveting, at its core, is idolatry—placing anything above our Creator. The result? Restless, insecure lives, always chasing the next thing but never finding satisfaction. Yet, there’s hope. True fulfillment comes through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He loved us, died for us, and rose again, filling the void within us and making us new creations. Only He can transform our hearts and give us lasting peace.

In Luke 12, Jesus shifts to a story of stewardship. A master returns to find his servants either faithfully waiting, watching, and working—or distracted and unfaithful. He concludes with a principle: “To whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). The more God entrusts to us—be it time, talents, or opportunities—the more He expects us to use them for His glory. We’re accountable for what we’ve been given, and that accountability shapes how we live.

But stewardship isn’t just about diligence; it’s also about warfare. Jesus says, “I came to send fire on the earth… I have a baptism to be baptized with… Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division” (Luke 12:49-51). Fire represents judgment, and His baptism points to His suffering on the cross—a death He endured in our place, pictured by His baptism in the Jordan. He didn’t need to repent, but He identified with us, taking our sin and rising victorious on the third day. That’s the triumph we celebrate at Easter.

Yet, His coming also brings division. Families may split—father against son, mother against daughter—because faith in Jesus demands a choice: “If you’re not with Me, you’re against Me.” The Gospel of Luke begins with “peace on earth” (Luke 2:14), and yes, Jesus offers a peace that calms our hearts and overcomes worry as we seek His kingdom first. But in this world, He warns, “You will have tribulation” (John 16:33). He was persecuted, and as His servants, we won’t escape it either. We’re at war—against the flesh, the devil, and the enemies we face as believers. Taking a stand for Christ may cost us, but there’s a promise: if we suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him.

So, where does this leave us? We’re called to be faithful stewards, watching and working for Jesus, even as we navigate a world that opposes Him. The peace He gives isn’t the absence of conflict but the presence of His strength within us. As aliens in this territory, we live differently, trusting that our battles are temporary and our victory is sure.

Closing Challenge

Reflect on what God has entrusted to you—your resources, relationships, or opportunities to share His love. This week, choose one specific way to steward these faithfully, even if it means facing resistance. Stand firm, knowing Jesus is with you in the fight.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the peace You bring to our hearts, even in a world of tribulation. Help us turn from hypocrisy, covetousness, and fear, and find our satisfaction in You alone. Strengthen us to be faithful stewards, watching and working for Your glory, no matter the cost. Give us courage for the battles we face and hope in Your promise of victory. In Your precious name, Amen.

God bless!