Across the Divide

Based on 1 Kings 12-13, Luke 22:1-30

We don't enjoy separation...some people even claim to have "separation anxiety" in certain cases when the feeling for unity in a divided situation is strongest. On the other side of the spectrum, many people think division is the only way to keep the peace, instead of working to resolve issues & unify. When we side with Jesus, He takes the daring path across the divide to bring people together in Truth & love. We must walk with Jesus across that divide!

"So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them."

1 Kings 12:16‭-‬17.

We talked briefly about the divide of the kingdom of Israel before, but now only the tribe of Judah served the king from the house of David, and all the other tribes served Jeroboam! Rehoboam, Solomon's son, decided to make things a lot more difficult on the people, because he listened to the wrong advice...the fact that he even had one tribe still faithful to him was a miracle from God! And God only did that to honor the faithfulness of David! Division is the only route when we take the path which leads away from God! Even the disciples had issues with division!

"And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest."

Luke 22:23‭-‬24.

Right after they were told someone would betray Jesus, and they started reasoning about that, they immediately began to argue about who should be greatest-from one extreme conversation to the other! From one end of the divide to the next, not remembering Jesus, the bridge in the gap! So Jesus reminded them that the greatest is a servant. It's not a competition. It's not about taking sides...it's about serving the other side! Even if you don't see "eye to eye," with the eyes of Jesus, you'll be able to have compassion! Now this doesn't mean to stay around bad influences...Judas did have to leave the 12...but it means praying for our enemies as it says in Matthew 5:44. Talking to people about Jesus instead of trying to win an argument. Sharing Truth instead of lies.

When Jesus reminds the disciples of who they are & who they should be, He tells them:

"Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Luke 22:28‭-‬30.

These disciples would one day judge the 12 tribes across the eternal divide! What an honor! Even though both the 12 tribes and the 12 disciples struggled with division over differences, the disciples took hold of what Jesus said & purposed themselves to obey Jesus' Great Commission & reach the world. The whole world. Different cultures, different people, reaching them with the SAME cause! JESUS!