Did He Come to Bring Peace or a Sword?

Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. 'I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!' "If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. Matthew 10:34-37 (Words of Jesus to His disciples.)

 Meditate. Consider love.

 

Who do you love the most? So often we hear or read “I love you to the moon and back,” or people will say, “I love you MORE.” Sorry…I love Jesus the most…and not just to the moon, but throughout the entire universe. My love is exploding for the Lord. Sure, I love my husband, my kids, grandkiddos, friends, and other family that are here and gone, but I save my deepest love for the Lord. Sometimes I feel like I’m shortchanging one or another…but God expects me to put Him first.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

God provides everything we need…and want. I’m not looking for a handout—no need for that. I trust the Lord to provide as I seek Him…and His Kingdom.

            It is sort of scary that Jesus came not to bring peace, but a sword. War. Fighting. You can see wars throughout the Bible, including those predicted for the future. Where is the peace? Jesus said in this scripture today that He didn’t come to bring peace, but peace is one of his attributes and part of the fruit of the Spirit.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:22 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Just as we see war and swords throughout the Bible, we see peace. Paul often greets the churches with a peace greeting.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

In Jesus farewell teaching to His disciples the night before He was crucified, He spoke to them about peace.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Peace and love are intertwined. True and devoted love brings peace. So, give yourself to love, and you will receive the Lord’s gift of peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding.

            What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage today?

 

Prayer – Lord, I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. As I love and serve You, I can feel Your peace. May Your love, grace, and peace flow through me to others, providing them with Your love, joy, and peace—everlasting. Thank You.

 

Verses of Salvation ~ I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:2-5

 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What are you hungry for today? Depending on where you are, it may be a hot day, and watermelon may be the best thirst quencher. Hopefully, you can find a fresh sweet watermelon. I’m looking forward to having fresh watermelons from the Walchli Farms in Hermiston, Oregon. They have the best varieties. One known as the Black Mamba, always super sweet and juicy, is my favorite.

     

Have you ever seen a...
Watermelon Cake?
Celebrate Summer!

My Dad grew watermelons as a field crop one year on our farm—so I know what a ripe watermelon sounds like. I can thump them with the best! A nice hollow sound indicated that it is ripe. If it rings a high sound—not ripe. Other signs of a sweet, ripe melon:

1.      A heavy melon for its size indicated high water content—nice and juicy.

2.      A dark yellow spot on the bottom of the melon where it rested as it grew in the field. Light yellow or white was picked too early.

3.      Dull green skin is ripe. A shiny watermelon skin is underripe. Sugar spots, webbing, and wide stripes can also indicate sweetness. If the striped variety has stripes as large as two of your fingers together, it should be good.

4.      Even shape is desirable. If odd-shaped, then uneven growth may affect the flavor. Avoid cuts, bruises, bumps, and soft spots.

5.      Brown stem shows that it was left on the vine until ripe. Green stem recently picked, but likely not ripe.

6.      Smell it. A sweet fragrance will ensure a sweet taste. Enjoy!

 

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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