KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:10 KJV” Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus”.

Our key scripture reveals an incident that has been the view of some Christians. They believe in some cases we must take arms and fight for our faith. Simon Peter was also nicknamed Zelotes in Luke 6:15 because he belonged to the political wing called the Zealots, who were the radical Jewish sect, that opposed the rule of the pagan Roman government. They even opposed their fellow Jews who sounded conciliatory seeking peace. It was this sentiment in Peter that made him aggressive and offensive to the point of striking the ear of one of the assailants of the Lord. Should the church take such a tangent when occasion demands?

Church history recorded periods when Islamic Jihadists attacked certain communities, forcing them to convert to Islam. This led to the uprise of the Crusaders which was a Christian military body that fought to defend the Christians. Was it scriptural for the Christians to take weapons to fight and defend their territories? The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. A few years ago, the church in Nigeria found themselves in a similar web, where Islamic Fulanis attacked churches and murdered Christians in cold blood. The church was torn between forming armed Defense groups to fight and protect their brethren or trusting the power of God to protect them.

I believe Christians should strengthen their faith to trust in God for His protection. History teaches us that, the early Church was persecuted without any retaliation, yet the strength and expansion of the church grew because they did not fight back. They trusted God and held to their faith in the midst of the persecution. Our Lord Jesus who is the Lord of the church is able to fight for His glory. The church must get to know the Lord and stand stronger for Him, and He will turn the situation to His glory.

THOUGHT: MAY THE CHURCH LEARN TO SEEK THE SPIRIT’S COUNSEL IN ALL SITUATIONS

FURTHER STUDIES

2 Sam 22:31 KJV “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”

Psalms 4:5 KJV” Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.”