Jesus Unites and Divides
The Christmas story, as recorded in the Book of Luke, goes on for a while. A significant moment is when Jesus is taken to the Temple at 8 days old for his circumcision. Simeon, a priest at the time, was able to see Him. He was one of two people that God had revealed His plan to. God had told Simeon that he would see the Christ before he died, and this was the day! He prophesied that Jesus would be divisive. Imagine that being said of your child. God is one who unites men. He also divides – soul from spirit, thought and intent of the heart, light and darkness, and wicked from pure motives of the heart. He raises some up and takes others down. All of this is to draw men to Him.
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’” (Luke 2: 34-35; NIV)
Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:
- Is there an area of your heart that has become offended at God? Repent.
- Let Christ shine His marvelous dividing light on your heart and deliver you from sinful, selfish motives, thoughts, and actions. Thank Him!
- Now, you can intercede with a pure heart for others that you know are caught up in the same issues and pride. Pray for them as the Lord reveals their situation to you.
- Pray for your Senators and Congressmen today – there is great need for pure hearts in Washington right now.
A prayer you can pray:
Father, where my heart has become offended at You and the way You have worked in my life, forgive me. Heal my heart and draw me closer to You. You are always good! I welcome Holy Spirit’s bright, holy light to shine in every nook and cranny of my heart. Straighten out the crooked and iniquitous thoughts, motives, and actions. Deliver me, so I can intercede for others with grace and anointing. Then, we can all be free together! I lift up my two Senators and my Representative and ask that you purify their hearts, as well, so they may serve the people well. If they resist You, remove them. In Jesus Name, amen.
Today’s decree:
I decree that God will continue to clean up Congress by dividing darkness from light in the hearts of this nation’s leaders!