Jesus confirmed that great division would be present during His first advent on earth, and the age of the church.
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother…’” Matthew 10:34-36
The division would be between those who commit to Jesus’ message, versus those who won’t.
When Jesus began to teach the crowds, there was great division; some believed His words while others did not.
Jesus continued to teach that He was the Son of God, inasmuch as He had the power to lay down His life and be raised up from the grave. Some said He had a demon, while others believed, remembering His previous miracles.
“Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these (His) sayings.” John 10:19
And then during the church age, after Jesus’ ascension, there was great division between the believers and the deniers. Consider the contention caused by Paul and Barnabas when they preached the gospel message to both Jews and Greeks.
“But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren…But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles.” Acts 14:2, 4
Again, the division was caused by preaching and teaching the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Now, consider the major divisions within our nation today. The division at the hearings relative to the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh was obvious. There were several alleged reasons for the division; however, the major reason appeared to be ideological partiality held by the major political parties, i.e. conservatism vs. liberalism.
If one were to examine the issues held close by both parties, it could be determined if the division actually focused on Biblical issues.
Israel illustrated an excellent example of judicial impartiality. Moses relayed God’s instructions to the Israelites relative to their judicial system.
“You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates (towns)…and they shall judge the people with just judgment. You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe…You shall follow what is altogether just…” Deuteronomy 16:18-20
Those who opposed the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh were afraid that if confirmed, he would favor repeal of Roe v. Wade. The Bible is certainly not silent on the issue of when life begins for a child.
Another divisive issue in recent years was the Defense of Marriage Act which defined marriage between a man and a woman. During the tenure of the previous president, DOMA was adjudicated unconstitutional. Again the Bible is not silent.
When DOMA was ruled unconstitutional, President Obama stated:
“…today, we can say in no uncertain terms that we’ve made our union a little more perfect…America should be very proud.”
The idea of a conservative or liberal leaning Supreme Court is itself questionable. The highest court should be totally impartial.
Israel also had their version of a ‘supreme court.’
“If a matter arises which is too hard for you to judge, between degrees of guilt for bloodshed…or between one punishment or another…then you shall arise and go up to the place which the LORD your God chooses…You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left…” Deuteronomy 17:8, 11
How will division affect America’s future?
Consider Jesus’ words.
“…Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25
Good bye democracy, hello monarchy.
Isaiah foretold of the future monarchy approximately 700 years before the future King was born.
“For unto us a Child is born…and the government will be upon His shoulder. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…” Isaiah 9:6a, 7a
The future King will be no other than Christ Himself, the One who brought division at His first coming as the Lamb of God. He will return as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and rule the nations with a rod of iron.
There will be no effort to impeach Him.