Jesus told his disciples, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything? They said, ‘Nothing.’ He said to them, but now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: And he was numbered with the transgressors. For what is written about me has its fulfillment. And they said, ‘Look, Lord, here are two swords.’ And he said to them, it is enough.”
The sword was the weapon of choice in Jesus’ day. Today the weapon of choice tends to be firearms. If Jesus were speaking to disciples today he would be saying, “but now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no [gun] sell his cloak and buy one.”
You might be reading this right now with your mouth wide open and pupils dilated thinking that there is no way a pastor who believes in Jesus the Prince of Peace would ever advocate for guns let alone use Jesus as an example or foundation for the need and right to bear arms. Yet this is exactly what I am saying here.
Jesus makes it clear here in this passage that when he first sent out his disciples and followers (Luke 10) they were still not considered a big threat to current governmental and religious establishment. Yet in Luke 22, Jesus tells his disciples that times have changed. They are now a threat to the Roman Empire and religious authorities. Jesus had already warned them saying, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).
Jesus knew trouble and persecution would come. The disciples needed to be ready to protect and defend themselves. Again some of you reading this would say that God will protect us and there is no need for a Christian to own a gun. This is a theological red herring if there ever was one. The same premise of the above argument can be used to say we don’t need doctors because God will heal us. Yes, God is all powerful and able to heal us without doctors and protect us without guns, yet we miss the point that while being faithful and waiting on God we must also be proactive using, within what is moral and legal, the necessary resources and tools God has provided for our needs.
We as Christian adults have a biblical responsibility to provide and protect our families. God spoke through the Apostle Paul saying, “if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1st Timothy 5:8). Provision meant the basic needs of every human being i.e. food, clothing, shelter, and protection.
As Christian adults living in a sovereign country like the United States, we must abide by the laws of the land (1 Peter 2:13). Since Dec. 15, 1791 we have enjoyed “the right... to keep and bear arms” and that this right “shall not be infringed.” This is our right that no one should infringe or attempt to take away as citizens. It is also a right much needed at a time when terrorism threatens our freedom, and our First Amendment rights of the freedom of speech and religion continue to be infringed.
To be clear I do not advocate gun ownership as a means to exact vengeance, even when our First Amendment rights are trampled on. The Lord clearly says in Romans 13:17-19 “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
It is not Godly to seek revenge but it is Godly to protect your loved ones. Again, God makes it clear that not providing the basic needs including physical protection for one’s household is tantamount and worse then being a non-believer. In simple terms not being prepared to provide and protect is the equivalent of not being a Christian.
Listen to Jesus! The times are getting worse so “now let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” I would also add, educate yourself and learn how to properly handle a firearm. Listen to the Lord! “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:15-17). Trust in the Lord, obey the law, defend your freedom and your rights, and protect your loved ones at all cost.
The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of Chadds Ford Live. We welcome opposing viewpoints. Readers may comment in the comments section or they may submit a Letter to the Editor to: editor@chaddsfordlive.com
About Rev. Marcos O. Almonte
Rev. Marcos O. Almonte is senior pastor at Brandywine Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist Church west of Philadelphia. Pastor Marcos is a graduate of Palmer Theological Seminary with more than 10 years working with families with an expertise in theology, trauma and addictions. Pastor Marcos and his wife Mary have three children, Carmen, Joseph, and Lincoln.
(7 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...
Comments