Calvin Synod Herald, 2006 (107. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2006-01-01 / 1-2. szám
8 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD It Is a Contradiction If We Take It Out of Context Scripture reading: Matthew 10:32-42. Text: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth (said Jesus.) I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughterin-law against her mother-in-law — a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” Matthew 10:34-35. These two verses separated from the rest of the passage, please see our scripture reading, give us a chill. It seems what our Lord had said here is in total contradiction with the teaching of the Bible. Do we have an explanation? WHAT WE LEARN ABOUT PEACE IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES? Those who read the Bible are familiar with these verses: “And he (the coming Messiah) will be called... PRINCE OF PEACE.” Isaiah 9:6/d, “Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9. This was the angelic announcement at Jesus’ birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and ON EARTH PEACE to men . . .” Luke 2:14. Christ had promised: “PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27. “Again Jesus said (to the disciples in a room behind locked door): 'PEACE BE WITH YOU.’” John 20:21. Please read also Matthew 26:52, Mark 9:50, and John 16:33. Knowing all these, they seem to be in total disharmony with what we read in our text: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.” How can we reconcile the two opposing views, the Prince of Peace did NOT come to bring peace on earth? LET US SEE OUR TEXT WITHIN CONTEXT OF THE PASSAGE OF WHICH IT IS A PART. The Discovery Bible gives this title to our scripture reading, our text included: “The Meaning of Discipleship” or we can also say: “The Price of Discipleship.” Here not peace is in the center but discipleship. Please read Luke 21:12. How do you wish to pick out your staff members or colleagues who not only work for you but also on whose performance your success depends? I am sure you will be careful to select the best. How do you know who will meet the criteria of being the best? You will examine or test the prospective fellow workers. Here Jesus wanted to express the price, the hardship, the difficulties, and even the personal sacrifice that will be expected of those who wish to follow him. Think about how God had tested Abraham when he was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. Please read Genesis chapter 22. Grace is free but not cheap. Will the world offer you somethinggreat without any perspiration or sacrifice? Life is power struggle. In most cases the question is how fierce and ruthless is this struggle? It can be obvious and cruel or it can be camouflaged and indirect. As we are fighting evil and resisting sin the struggle should be unmistakable and heroic. We read several exhortations in the Bible in this respect: “Be strong and very courageous.” Joshua 1:7, “be men of courage; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10. Can somebody be strong, brave and persevering when he/she follows the policy of “PEACE AT ANY PRICE?” The Prince of Peace was uncompromising and intrepid carrying out his ministry. The policy of appeasement only to maintain peace is not the best one. Nobody will be a hero just by putting on a uniform. A soldier has to go through rigorous training to become a valiant warrior. The drill sergeant will see to it that the soldiers he trains (grinds or torments) will not break down under enemy fire. This Bible passage, see our scripture reading, is the “BOOT CAMP” where the “soldiers of Christ” are prepared for service. It would be appropriate and fitting to finish this meditation with this hymn: “Soldiers of Christ arise, And put your armor on; Strong in the strength which God supplies Through His eternal Son; Strong in the Lord of Hosts, And in His mighty power; Who in the strength of Jesus trusts Is more than conqueror. ” Rev. Alexander Jalso First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead Munhall, Pennsylvania Reformed Motorcycle Club of Manassas Alpha Chapter How many of us when we were young saw a photo of Marlon Brando or Peter Fonda sitting astride a tough bobber or street chopper and wished just for a moment that we could be that bad boy on a motorcycle? The only dilemma is, as Christians, can we hop on that tough motorcycle and leave the bad boy persona behind? Over the past 20 years motorcycle ownership in the US has increased by one million plus registered vehicles. The resurgence of the Harley-Davidson and the British made Triumph has created appeal for riders from all walks of life. What was once an exclusive club for the rough and tumble bad boy now attracts the likes of corporate CEOs, lawyers and service men and women from all ranks. Even so, is this new crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts the place for God-fearing Christians? A group of men attending the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Manassas, Virginia, think so. They came together this October to form the Reformed Motorcycle Club, (Reformed MC) Alpha Chapter, dedicated to Our Lord Jesus Christ and representing the tenets of the Reformed Faith. Their first public appearance was riding as a group representing the Reformed Church of Manassas in the Annual Christmas Parade on December 3, 2005. The men are still working on their charter, but the basics for membership are simple: have faith and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, follow the Reformed Faith, and have a love for riding a motorcycle, and that means any type of motorcycle you can get your hands on. H. Alexander Buffalo Reformed Presbyterian Church of Manassas Manassas, VA
