There has been a lot of talk among we Christians lately, (especially on social media) about our right to bear arms. (I guess one could say we are breaking out the big guns.) Now mind you, I am a person who has been accused of being uncaring and even slightly stupid because I don't see the point of bashing our President on social media. Because I choose to pray for him, and speak blessings over him, it is assumed that I have my head in the sand over any and all political issues. I find this somewhat amusing. In my desire to live by Jesus' example, I am judged by most of my Christian associates.
Which brings me to the gun issue. Daily, there are numerous posts showing a big gun, or a pile of guns, or someone carrying a gun. While I don't read all of them, there seems to be a barrage of fearful and angry posts making the point that we have rights, as American citizens, to bear arms. And while I do believe that is true, I wonder where Jesus is in all of our ranting?
I remember an incident where one of Jesus' compadres tried to defend Him by cutting off the ear of a guard who had come to arrest Jesus. Jesus said to him "Put your sword back. People who live by the sword die by the sword." Wait, that seemed the right thing to do at the time, didn't it? Defending the Lord and all. But Jesus quickly picked up the ear, replaced it (awkward moment) and went on to His death.
I also recall something that our Savior taught in the book of Matthew, "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Wow. So what is He saying here? That even if someone evil or threatening comes at you to do you harm, you should allow it, and just turn the other cheek? What about my right to bear arms and shoot the son of a...well, you get my point.
It seems to me as I read the red letters, the very words of Jesus, that he was all about operating out of a new Kingdom (as He put it)...He came to show us a new way of life, and a new way of dealing with life. He reminded us that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against
evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers
in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Which is one of the reasons He was so controversial that they wanted Him killed.
I read a cool story recently. Some ladies were having a party, and an evil man busted in to do harm and rob them. The host of
the party told him to back off, in the Name of Jesus. Then the rest of
the gals began to chant "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..." and the bad guy left, imagine that! You might say that those ladies were armed and dangerous!
When we look at Jesus' arrest, we see how Pilate left it up to the people whom he should release...Jesus, a gentle and loving Teacher; or Barabbas, an active, militant, Jewish leader against the Roman occupiers. And their choice seems an interesting one. It's like they were offered two types of revolutions: a revolution of power that was easily visible, a revolution that would conquer their enemies with violence, in a way they could understand; or a revolution of healing, a revolution of love, a revolution that brought the kingdom of God to earth in a mystical, transcendental, yet no less real way. We know the rest of the story. We know the choice that they made. After all, who wants a gentle revolution in times of war?
I pray that if ever confronted with danger or evil, I will choose to call on the Name of Jesus, the Name above all other Names, and trust Him with the outcome. Let's face it, could I even shoot someone if given the opportunity? Could I live with myself if I did?
Maybe the bottom line is, are we driven by fear? Is it a fear of death which motivates us? Or are we guided by Love? Do we truly believe that even death has no sting for those of us who are in Christ Jesus?
I don't carry a gun. But I'm packing heat, alright. The fulness of God dwells within me! I choose Love! And therefore, I am...armed and dangerous.
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