Luke 12:49-59 Fire Upon the Earth

# Fire Upon the Earth
## Luke 12:49-59
[Francesco Ungaro](https://unsplash.com/photos/7A_yfNw528g "caption")

---

# What does a heart on **fire** for God look like?

>>>
+ **fire** common image in Bible
+ **complex** meaning

******
[49](# "ref")
"I came to cast fire on the earth, 
and would that it were already kindled!

[50](# "ref")
I have a baptism to be baptized with, 
and how great is my distress 
until it is accomplished!

[Luke 12:49-59 (ESV) (p.1/6)](# "ref")

******

[51](# "ref")
Do you think that I have come 
to give peace on earth? 
No, I tell you, but rather division.

[52](# "ref")
For from now on in one house 
there will be five divided, 
three against two and two against three.

[Luke 12:49-59 (ESV) (p.2/6)](# "ref")

******

[53](# "ref")
They will be divided, 
father against son and son against father,

mother against daughter 
and daughter against mother,

mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law 
and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

[Luke 12:49-59 (ESV) (p.3/6)](# "ref")

******

[54](# "ref")
He also said to the crowds, 
“When you see a cloud rising in the west, 
you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ 
And so it happens.

[55](# "ref")
And when you see the south wind blowing, 
you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ 
and it happens.

[Luke 12:49-59 (ESV) (p.4/6)](# "ref")

******

[56](# "ref")
You hypocrites! You know how to interpret 
the appearance of earth and sky, 
but why do you not know 
how to interpret the present time?

[57](# "ref")
“And why do you not judge 
for yourselves what is right?

[Luke 12:49-59 (ESV) (p.5/6)](# "ref")

******

[58](# "ref")
As you go with your accuser 
before the magistrate, 
make an effort to settle with him on the way, 
lest he drag you to the judge, 
and the judge hand you over to the officer, 
and the officer put you in prison.

[59](# "ref")
I tell you, you will never get out 
until you have paid the very last penny."

[Luke 12:49-59 (ESV) (p.6/6)](# "ref")

---

## Luke 12: **Priorities** of the Kingdom of God
+ Not Man's **Affirmation** [(v1-12)](# "ref")
+ Not Building **Wealth** [(v13-21)](# "ref")
+ Not Health/**Security** [(v22-34)](# "ref")
+ Faithful **Stewardship** [(v35-48)](# "ref")
+ **Fire** Upon the Earth [(v49-59)](# "ref")

[Mark Basarab](https://unsplash.com/photos/1k5Qq4YQM0g "caption")

>>>
+ v13-34: mostly negative, wrong priorities
+ v35-44: affirmative command

---

Who then is the **faithful** and **wise** manager, 
whom his master will set over his **household**, 
to give them their **portion** of food 
at the proper **time**?

[43](# "ref")
**Blessed** is that servant 
whom his master will find 
so doing when he **comes**.

[Luke 12:42-43 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ **manager** over the household:
  + himself a **servant**, but
  + master **entrusts** oversight
+ e.g., skilled **exec assistants**
+ **provide** for the household
  + out of the master's **abundance**
+ **faithful**: worthy of trust, fiduciary duty
+ **wise**: sober-minded, shrewd
  + **humble**, willing to learn
  + not doing **busy-work**
+ the Master will **return** soon!
+ dramatic change of **priorities**:

---

## Fire Upon the Earth [(Lk12)](# "ref")
1. Kindle the **Flame** [(v49-50)](# "ref")
1. Love God Over **Family** [(v51-53)](# "ref")
1. **Plan** for Christ's Return [(v54-56)](# "ref")
1. Pursue **Mercy**, Not Vengeance [(v57-59)](# "ref")

>>>
+ purpose + effect of **fire** of God
+ 3 applications:
+ reveals true hearts of our **loved ones**
+ reveals our **hypocrisy** in making plans
  + neglecting the imminence of judgment
+ burns away our **legalism** + pride
  + leaving only **grace** received
  + and grace we must **give** to others

---

"I came to **cast fire** on the earth, 
and would that it were already **kindled**!

[Luke 12:49 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Janko Ferlič](https://unsplash.com/photos/ACAK6F9mzgs "caption")

>>>
+ **would that**: one of few verses where
  + **Christ** directly talks about
  + His own **desire**, want
+ what is His heart **eager** for?
+ fire: all **consuming**
  + **reveals** what is pure, lasting
+ can be **positive**:
  + e.g., road to **Emmaus** after resurrection:

---

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, 
he **interpreted** to them in all the **Scriptures** 
the things concerning **himself**.

[32](# "ref")
They said to each other, 
“Did not our **hearts burn within us** 
while he talked to us on the road, 
while he **opened** to us the Scriptures?”

[Luke 24:27,32 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Joseph von Führich, "Der Gang nach Emmaus", 1837](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joseph_von_F%C3%BChrich_001.jpg "caption")

>>>
+ all-consuming **passion** / eagerness
  + to be **closer** to Christ
  + and **understand** Bible
+ fire also represents **cleansing**:
  + **forest** fire clears old brush
  + for a **fresh** start, new life

---

"I came to **cast fire** on the earth, 
and would that it were already **kindled**!

I have a **baptism** to be baptized with, 
and how great is my **distress** 
until it is accomplished!

[Luke 12:49-50 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam. Vincent Guth](https://unsplash.com/photos/3sR_0NhWMEI "caption")

>>>
+ in order for the fire to be **kindled**
  + Jesus first had to go through
+ **baptism**: death + resurrection
  + sign of **discipleship** / obedience
+ distress: **constrained**, compelled, held together
  + Paul in Phil:

---

I am **hard pressed** between the two.

My desire is to **depart** and be with Christ, 
for that is far **better**.

[24](# "ref")
But to **remain** in the flesh 
is more necessary on **your account**.

[Philippians 1:23-24 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Milada Vigerova](https://unsplash.com/photos/pHR_S0PeOF0 "caption")

>>>
+ hard pressed: **held together**
+ lack of **freedom**, but
+ **purpose** / focus
  + keeps us from **falling apart**
+ Jesus the **Messiah** knew his **purpose**:

---

I have a **baptism** to be baptized with, 
and how great is my **distress** 
until it is accomplished!

[Luke 12:50 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ **down** into water + **up** again
+ **dying** for our sins and
  + **rising** for our new life
+ extends same baptism to **us**:

---

I baptize you with **water** for repentance, 
but he ... will baptize you 
with the **Holy Spirit** and **fire**.

[12](# "ref")
His **winnowing fork** is in his hand, 
and he will clear his threshing floor

and gather his **wheat** into the barn, 
but the **chaff** he will burn 
with **unquenchable fire**.

[Matthew 3:11-12 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Seth Schwiet](https://unsplash.com/photos/qVb-K2mFtDU "caption")

>>>
+ fire **cleanses**
+ **separates** what is **worthy** from unworthy
+ **baptised** w/HS + fire:
  + down + up
  + death + resurrection
  + cleansing of **old** + filling w/**new**
+ cleansing of old happens by 
  + remembering God's **holiness**:

---

Let us offer to God acceptable **worship**, 
with **reverence** and awe, 
[29](# "ref")
for our God is a **consuming fire**.

[Hebrews 12:28-29 (cf Dt4:24) (ESV)](# "ref")
[Samuel Ferrara](https://unsplash.com/photos/IEHPDNk2-8w "caption")

>>>
+ cannot enter God's **presence**
  + while having any **sin**
+ yet **Christ** brings us near, as to
  + a mountain that can be **touched**
+ God's **light** reveals our **sin**
  + baptism of **HS** burns it away
+ e.g., lots of light to **clean house**

---

## Fire Upon the Earth [(Lk12)](# "ref")
1. Kindle the Flame [(v49-50)](# "ref")
1. **Love God Over Family** [(v51-53)](# "ref")
1. Plan for Christ's Return [(v54-56)](# "ref")
1. Pursue Mercy, Not Vengeance [(v57-59)](# "ref")

>>>
+ remainder is 3 **practical** applications
  + how to **rekindle** the flame
+ allow the **light** of God's fire to reveal
+ our own **idolatry**:
  + prioritising **family** above God
+ our **hypocrisy**:
  + willfully **ignoring** imminence of His return
+ our **pride**:
  + believing the **law** to be on **our** side

---

Do you think that I have come 
to give **peace** on earth? 
No, I tell you, but rather **division**.

[52](# "ref")
For from now on in one house 
there will be five **divided**, 
**three** against **two** and two against three.

[Luke 12:51-52 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Piha Beach, NZ. Tim Marshall](https://unsplash.com/photos/Wa-gS5R58gA "caption")

>>>
+ what happened to being **peacemakers**?
+ what about **Christmas** angels:

---

And suddenly there was with the angel 
a multitude of the **heavenly host** 
praising God and saying,

[14](# "ref")
“**Glory** to God in the highest, 
and on earth **peace** among those 
with whom he is **pleased**!”

[Luke 2:13-14 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Govert Flinck, "Aankondiging aan de herders", 1639](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Govert_Flinck_-_Aankondiging_aan_de_herders.jpg "caption")

>>>
+ is Jesus not the **Prince of Peace**?
+ note the **qualification**:
  + those with whom God is **pleased**
+ **none** of us, dead in our **sins**!
+ only through **faith** in Christ
  + can we **satisfy** God's holiness
  + and **please** God
+ even as a **baby**, Jesus was destined
  + to bring **division**:

---

Behold, this child is appointed for 
the **fall** and **rising** of many in Israel, 
and for a **sign** that is **opposed** -- 
[35](# "ref")
and a **sword** will pierce through 
your own **soul** also -- 
so that **thoughts** from many hearts 
may be **revealed**.

[Luke 2:34-35 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Rembrandt, "Simeons Song of Praise", 1631](https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/explore/the-collection/artworks/simeons-song-of-praise-145/detailgegevens/ "caption")

>>>
+ what God's **fire** does:
+ **reveals** the thoughts of our hearts
+ either the fire **draws** us passionately closer
+ or it **destroys** us in His holiness
+ division happens even within the same **family**:

---

They will be **divided**, 
**father** against son and **son** against father,

**mother** against daughter 
and **daughter** against mother,

**mother-in-law** against her daughter-in-law 
and **daughter-in-law** against mother-in-law.

[Luke 12:53 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Bryan Dilts](https://pixabay.com/en/grandfather-grandpa-baby-love-1434575/ "caption")

>>>
+ MIL-DIL rel particularly **complex**!
+ family so **important** to us:
  + be a **team**, same **side**
  + us vs the world
+ what does it mean to truly **love** our family?
  + what if they are walking the way of **death**?
+ will I allow God's holy **fire**
  + to **purify** my family, and
  + even to **divide** us?
+ baptism of **HS** + fire:

---

His **winnowing fork** is in his hand, 
and he will clear his threshing floor

and gather his **wheat** into the barn, 
but the **chaff** he will burn 
with **unquenchable fire**.

[Matthew 3:12 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ clear **division** between wheat + chaff
  + believing vs unbelieving
+ not just attending **church** vs not!
+ can **fool** others
  + but can't fool **God**!
+ **Malachi**: effect of God's **purifying** fire

---

But who can **endure** the day of his **coming**, 
and who can **stand** when he **appears**?

For he is like a **refiner's fire** 
and like **fullers' soap**.

[Malachi 3:2 (ESV) (p.1/3)](# "ref")
[Peter John Maridable](https://unsplash.com/photos/C2a4RGapd8s "caption")

>>>
+ fire: to burn away **dross**, impurity
  + to **preserve** what has lasting value
+ fuller: launderer, **stomping** with feet
  + **violent**, but purpose is to **cleanse**
+ why **necessary**?
  + because we **complain** being faithful is useless:

---

You have said, ‘It is **vain** to serve God. 
What is the **profit** of our keeping his **charge** 
or of walking as in **mourning** 
before the Lord of hosts?

[15](# "ref")
And now we call the **arrogant blessed**. 
Evildoers not only **prosper** 
but they put God to the **test** and they **escape**.’

[Malachi 3:14-15 (ESV) (p.2/3)](# "ref")
[Alex Jones](https://unsplash.com/photos/p0W9Q9gei4g "caption")

>>>
+ what's the **point** of being **faithful** to God?
+ God's **burden** is heavy on us
+ the **worldly** are carefree and successful
+ do I want my **family** to be miserable?
+ why not just **let** them be happy?
  + **affirm** them no matter what choices they make
+ But God's refining **fire** is coming:

---

Then once more you shall see the **distinction** 
between the **righteous** and the **wicked**,

between one who **serves God** 
and one who does **not** serve him.

[Malachi 3:18 (ESV) (p.3/3)](# "ref")
[Dominik QN, Thailand](https://unsplash.com/photos/9gGQvhC4PEY "caption")

>>>
+ the issue is we have **forgotten**
  + what **righteousness** means
  + what it truly means to **serve** God
+ e.g., conducting baptism **interview**
+ **worst** disservice we can do to our **young** people
  + **mislead** them into believing they are saved
  + just because they grew up in church
+ e.g., JJ not yet saved

---

# Am I **willing** to let God's fire **divide** my family?

---

## Fire Upon the Earth [(Lk12)](# "ref")
1. Kindle the Flame [(v49-50)](# "ref")
1. Love God Over Family [(v51-53)](# "ref")
1. **Plan for Christ's Return** [(v54-56)](# "ref")
1. Pursue Mercy, Not Vengeance [(v57-59)](# "ref")

>>>
+ God's holy fire **calls** us
  + to a drastic change of **priorities**:
+ to show to our **loved ones**
  + what **righteousness** is
  + what **serving God** means
+ to change how we plan for the **future**:

---

He also said to the crowds, 
“When you see a **cloud** rising in the **west**, 
you say at once, ‘A **shower** is coming.’ 
And so it happens.

[55](# "ref")
And when you see the **south wind** blowing, 
you say, ‘There will be scorching **heat**,’ 
and it happens.

[Luke 12:54-55 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Lizard Point, UK. Benjamin Sloth Lindgreen](https://unsplash.com/photos/JdY-P44WBpY "caption")

>>>
+ **predictions**: reasonable guess about near future
+ but not **far-fetched** guesses
  + >10dy weather forecast not reliable
+ just observing how the **wind** blows
  + today or tomorrow
+ make **plans**: bring umbrella, postpone picnic
+ it really **works**, nothing wrong with it

---

You **hypocrites**!

You know how to **interpret** 
the appearance of **earth and sky**,

but why do you not know 
how to interpret the **present time**?

[Luke 12:56 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ hypocrite: apparently **good** facade
  + hiding fundamentally **flawed** / corrupt substance
+ interpret: **test**, approve, assess, examine closely
+ earth/sky: envir, politics, career planning
  + encourage kids to study **useful** field
  + predict will have a steady **job**
+ yet when it comes to Christ's **return**:
  + "oh who knows when that'll happen!"
  + "can't predict future, so don't think about it"
+ **double-standard**: can't predict future
  + but we can see the **signs**
+ e.g., Mt24 increasing **unrest** + wickedness
  + signs telling us the **judgment** is near:

---

From the **fig tree** learn its lesson: 
as soon as its branch becomes **tender** 
and puts out its **leaves**, 
you know that **summer** is near.

[33](# "ref")
So also, when you see **all these** things, 
you know that he is **near**, at the **very gates**.

[Matthew 24:32-33 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Mike Kotsch](https://unsplash.com/photos/HNx4QLRgy2k "caption")

>>>
+ can't predict exactly when **seasons** turn
  + but **trees** give us **warning signs**
+ don't **avoid** imminence of Christ's return
  + **plan** your life around it

---

Stay dressed for **action** 
and keep your **lamps** burning,

[36](# "ref")
and be like men who are **waiting** 
for their master to come home 
from the wedding **feast**,

so that they may **open** the door to him 
at once when he **comes** and knocks.

[Luke 12:35-36 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Nousnou Iwasaki](https://unsplash.com/photos/Dc3YQuyr2pU "caption")

>>>
+ wedding feasts go very **late**
+ **waiting** is not easy
+ **persevere** in **trusting** God's promises
+ **provide** for others in God's household
+ the **Son of Man** is coming at an hour we do not **expect**

---

## Do I make my **plans** with the imminence of Christ's **return**?

>>>
+ plan for a **degree program**
  + choose a **career** track
+ plan for buying a **house**
+ plan for **marriage**, children
+ plan for kids to attend certain **schools**
+ not that our plans are **bad**
  + follow dir of **wind**
+ apply same **diligence** to
  + manifest **evidence** of Christ's coming soon
+ refocus my **priorities**

---

## Fire Upon the Earth [(Lk12)](# "ref")
1. Kindle the Flame [(v49-50)](# "ref")
1. Love God Over Family [(v51-53)](# "ref")
1. Plan for Christ's Return [(v54-56)](# "ref")
1. **Pursue Mercy, Not Vengeance** [(v57-59)](# "ref")

>>>
+ God's consuming **fire** is coming:
+ for my **family**: to reveal hearts
+ for my **future** plans:
  + am I **planning** wisely
+ for my own **pride**: to teach me **mercy**

---

“And why do you not **judge** 
for yourselves what is **right**?

[Luke 12:56 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Helsinki, Finland. Thomas Drouault](https://unsplash.com/photos/IBUcu_9vXJc "caption")

>>>
+ why, **even** amongst yourselves
  + you do not **judge** that which is **right**?
+ two levels of **application**:
+ **horiz** / interpers
  + cf Mt5:25-26: hatred vs **reconciliation**
  + **prereq** for God's forgiveness
+ **vert** / against God:
  + believing we have a just **claim**
+ if you don't get this **right** even in
  + secular **business** relationships
+ how will you possibly **stand**
  + when **God** brings a claim against you?

---

As you go with your **accuser** 
before the **magistrate**, 
make an effort to **settle** with him on the way,

[Luke 12:58 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Wesley Tingey](https://unsplash.com/photos/9z9fxr_7Z-k "caption")

>>>
+ accuser: **opponent** in justice
  + has a **claim** against me
  + according to **lawful** / right
  + v59 impl. I **owe** money
+ I think I can **win** in court
  + so **unwilling** to settle
+ settle: be reconciled, paid up to be **even**
  + make effort: do some **work**
+ no longer really about **justice**
  + but **vengeance**
  + **proving** opponent wrong
  + "I **win**, you **lose**"
+ but I do not **control** the courts:

---

lest he drag you to the **judge**, 
and the judge hand you over to the **officer**, 
and the officer put you in **prison**.

[59](# "ref")
I tell you, you will never get out 
until you have paid the very last **penny**."

[Luke 12:58-59 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ magistrate: ruler, **authority**
+ judge: decides **fault**, convicts, sentencing
+ officer: proctor, bailiff
  + **enforces** repayment of debt
+ I wanted to **punish** opponent
  + to **fullest** extent of law
+ but ends up **I** must pay
+ last penny: held to **strictest** std of law
+ how much greater **debt** do we **owe**
  + to the **holy** Author of life
+ Psalm 130:

---

If you, O Lord, should **mark iniquities**, 
O Lord, who could **stand**?

[4](# "ref")
But with you there is **forgiveness**, 
that you may be **feared**.

[Psalm 130:3-4 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Hirzel, Switzerland. Ricardo Gomez Angel](https://unsplash.com/photos/iTwmi4p4Q_c "caption")

>>>
+ **severity** of law vs
+ **kindness** of grace
+ e.g., exercising legal **rights** crossing border
  + "under **exemption**, I have a **right**!"
  + "right not to have car **searched**!" (no you don't)
  + e.g., feeding kid **oranges** in line
+ God has every **right** to remember our sins
+ it is His **forgiveness** that is
  + even **more** fearsome
+ we need to show the same **mercy** to others:

---

So **speak** and so **act** as those who are 
to be **judged** under the **law of liberty**.

[13](# "ref")
For judgment is **without mercy** 
to one who has **shown no mercy**.

Mercy **triumphs** over judgment!

[James 2:12-13 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Nancy, France. Rémi Walle](https://unsplash.com/photos/UOwvwZ9Dy6w "caption")

>>>
+ in our **pride** we believe
  + our legal **standing**
  + is **firmer** than it really is
+ the **law of liberty** is that
  + **no one** is righteous
  + apart from Christ's **gift** of life
+ let our **words** and **actions** reflect
  + we are the **forgiven**
+ **mercy** is more worthy to pursue
  + than **judgment**

---

# Do I care more about **winning** than showing **mercy**?

---

I baptize you with **water** for repentance, 
but he ... will baptize you 
with the **Holy Spirit** and **fire**.

[12](# "ref")
His **winnowing fork** is in his hand, 
and he will clear his threshing floor

and gather his **wheat** into the barn, 
but the **chaff** he will burn 
with **unquenchable fire**.

[Matthew 3:11-12 (ESV)](# "ref")

---