Scripture
“I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled.”

Observation
Jesus has come to bring fire to the earth, but he has a baptism to go through first. Jesus' ministry will bring division and conflict.

We need to look to the signs of the times, seeing what God is doing. We know how to predict the weather, but we are often ignorant of God's plans.

Application
We have an overly optimistic view of the place of faith in our lives. We want everything to be nice when Jesus comes into our lives.

The fact is that when we align ourselves with God's purposes, we are setting ourselves against the world. Conflict and strife are inevitable.

If we plan to live a holy life and to share the gospel with others we are bound to make enemies.

Prayer
Lord let me live in the peace of your presence even when all around me there is conflict and discord. Help me to walk in your ways and not be swayed by the world. Amen.