Put Your Sword Away

When Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, one of his followers drew a sword to defend the Lord. Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place… for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26.52).

In another place, Jesus said, “Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7.1-2).

Elsewhere, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Gal 6.7). He also instructed the church, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil” (Romans 12.17).

From these verses and others, it would seem that we should be very careful about our “weapons of choice.” The weapons we use will be used against us. Some people act as though they have been given divine imperative to use ungodly means in the “defense” of the Christ and his church, justifying hateful and hurtful behavior by citing the “rightness” of their cause. To those, Christ would say: Put your sword away. I can take care of myself. If need be I can even call on the angels of heaven to come to my rescue (Matthew 26.53). I don’t need you to use “strange fire” to defend my cause.

I think I’ll choose:

• Love
• Prayer
• Kindness
• Forgiveness

How about you? Have you put your sword away? Commit today to do God’s work in his way: suffering, sacrifice, submission, and trust.