Division and Debate--June 24, 2012

Lord Jesus, you said you would bring division;

and you know we are divided--

your church is rife with division and debate.

Each side is certain they are right, each side

convinced the stubborn-hearted

should listen to your voice and submit to you.

We all agree that if we proceed without you,

go on transgressing your word,

we will not succeed, but will be struck down.

So why do others follow their own counsels?

Do you expect us to bring peace?

Bowing before you, consider if we are wrong?

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 19; 150; 81; 113

Numb. 14:26-45

Acts 15:1-12

Luke 12:49-56

Selected Verses

Ps. 81:11-12

“…But my people did not listen to my voice;
          Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
          to follow their own counsels.  …"

[God to Israel]

Numb. 14:41-42

But Moses said [to the Israelites], "Why do you continue to transgress the command of the LORD?  That will not succeed.  Do not go up, for the LORD is not with you; do not let yourselves be struck down before your enemies.  …"

Acts 15:2

And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with [the advocates of circumcision], Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders.

Luke 12:51

"…Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth?  No, I tell you, but rather division!  …"  [Jesus, apparently to his disciples]