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Put Down Your Sword

Writer's picture: Brian DoyleBrian Doyle

When Jesus stood before Pilate, He was asked to defend Himself, but instead responded: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36)


When Peter attempted to do just this, drawing a sword and slicing the ear off of the High Priest's servant, Malchus, Jesus said


“Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” (Matthew 26:52-54). Today, as I wake up and see how those who call themselves believers attack one another and candidates through whatever social media platforms they use, I can't help but wonder, if Jesus told His disciple to put his sword back, and could call 12 legions of Angels to fight for Him at Calvary, why does He need us to draw swords now? The fact is, He doesn't. He has not called us to fight for Him. He doesn't need defense. He is glorified with the Father because of His act of humility and sacrifice at Calvary (Read Philippians 2!). We are called, instead to act in this way toward those we deem our enemies: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:38-48) In peace and humility, I urge everyone to act like Jesus says. It doesn't matter what the other side did or does. It doesn't matter their policies, or how they vote, or if you think they are stealing an election or not. Those who follow Jesus will act like Jesus and do what He says. Your politics, feelings, and emotions don't count; he doesn't ask for our opinion, but requires our obedience. Our Kingdom is His, and it is not of this world. We should all seek to be like Jesus and act like it. Loved one, put down your sword. Jesus is on the throne!



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