Luke 12:49-53
Jesus says: “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have
a baptism to undergo,…” (49-50a). Jesus’ baptism of suffering frees us from bondage to sin. Like many
Jews, we often focus on our environment to obtain peace. Most believed Messiah would free them from
Roman oppression, but were oblivious to the peace of a purified soul. Jesus sought to correct this
stating His baptism of suffering was prerequisite to the fire He desired to bring. His distress leads to our
rest! Before obtaining true peace, we must release faulty concepts focused on our environment. Most of
us don’t need a new location, job, vacation, or political leader, but we do need purified hearts by placing
our faith in Jesus, His work, and His word. May God light the fire of His Spirit within us to purify our
souls leading us to true and lasting peace.