“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
This can be just as similar as with Peter when he stood up for battle: John 18:10 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.
So then, what is the catch point here? Why is this different today? What is different today is our reaction.
Here is the breakdown. If we examine Peter we witness the fact that he was courageous with a sword in his hand. Yes, he was ready to fight for our Lord, good ole fashion way—physical battle.
And then we are to see that Jesus instructs him to take away the sword. That’s why later we witness Peter in fear and in denial.
It will be the same with us. In ancient times, while walking through the valley, the one praying was depending on God in zapping all the enemies.
We are NOT to pray that today as we have been guided by Jesus who instructs us to bless or to pray for our enemies.
As we can see, we are not just as vulnerable as Peter. Yes, we are to walk in the valley and not be afraid, only without the observation of battle. Folks, that puts us at THEIR mercy.
Can you imagine being in Asia and while confronting Isis—think about this: WE ARE TO BLESS THEM.
Wait: hold on. Sorry, I’m going to be afraid and more than likely, I’ll going to fight the best way I know how.
So you see, I have a long way to go in my journey in following Jesus. It is easy to say we believe—and yes, easy to say it when we don’t know what we’re saying. It is far more difficult to believe in what we all know is insanity. Jesus asks for it ALL.
Oh, we’ll have that fraction that says Paul more or less gives us permission to fight along with our government, but that is a crock. Jesus didn’t fight and that is how it is. I hope this stirs up debate. In Jesus. Amen
Hard Times Ministries 
Well said. I wrote an article one time along the lines of “Who will love ISIS?” It wasn’t well received. 🙂
Be blessed.
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Michael, I don’t believe mine is going to be well received either. However, I do believe this is the approach Jesus asked for. I find it difficult to love people who desire to cut your head off. Even more, my kids and family? However, Jesus taught to love.
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