by Richelle Hecker

Put your sword away

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

I stepped away from social media for a few days recently. I needed to because I found myself becoming very hurt and angry by what I saw people writing about Christians and Christianity. My anger skyrocketed even higher when I read untrue statements written about God Himself. I wanted to defend God and His people at every turn, which can become quite time consuming, exhausting, and futile. It wasn’t enough to stop engaging in these conversations, I needed to take myself away from the situation entirely and ask God what He wanted me to do to defend Him and His followers.

The answer, not the one I was looking for, was found in the account of Jesus’ arrest.

^“When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.” 
Luke 22: 49-51 New International Version

Jesus rebuked His disciple and allowed Himself to be arrested.  God doesn’t need me to jump quickly to His defense.

Out hiking the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, I often encounter areas like the one in this picture. The trail in front of me is covered with boulders that I must cross if I want to continue forward on the path. Some travelers may choose to turn around and never experience the other side. Since I have gone over this trail before, I know it is one I can manage, and that it’s worth continuing. If someone nearby is pondering whether to continue forward, then I encourage them to stay on the journey. However, if they choose to turn around, I do not get angry with them, even if they think I’m an idiot for climbing up.

God wants us to respond in the same way to people who do not yet know Him. Encourage others, approach them with respect, respond to them with love, and allow them to choose their own path. God will do the rest in His time.

copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO