Don't Cut Off Ears

The election is over and the results are in.
I've been very outspoken concerning who I was voting for and why. Like so many out there, my pick for President did not win. With that in mind, I'd like to share some thoughts in regards to how to respond.
One of the great things about America is the freedom of speech. It's why I can write this today. But just because we can say things, doesn't mean we always should.

I want to point to two stories from the Bible that were so fresh in my mind this morning as I was reflecting on how we as Christians should respond. They deal with the subject of the church.

King David had a desire to build God a house. However, God would not allow him to do so. In fact, the only thing that David was allowed to do was draw up the plans and to start stockpiling the materials. This "man after God's own heart" was not allowed to build God a house. Why? God explains to David that he was a man of war, and that he did not want hands that shed blood to build Him a place to dwell.
Interesting.
I know that as follower of Christ I can sometimes be militant in my efforts to do good. Much like a lot of Christians.


Now flash forward to the scene where Jesus is in the Garden with his disciples. (Matt. 26:40-53)

Jesus is about to go to the cross and he takes with him some disciples, one of which he had recently renamed Peter. Peter, the man he called "rock."
He asks them to stay with him and pray, but they fall asleep.
Judas and the soldiers come.
A kiss of betrayal.
Peter cuts off the ear of a solder.
Christ puts back the ear and heals the guard.
Interesting.
Look at the symbolism here.

The church was sleeping when it should have been praying, and when things didn't turn out the way they thought, it takes out a sword and cuts off the very thing that is used for hearing.

If we are cutting off ears with our swords (the Word of God in our mouth) then how will the world ever hear about this "loving God?" It's time for us as a church to wake up and start praying. Seeking repentance for what we've done wrong personally, not other people's sins, not even for our nations sins. Scripture says, "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
This is a very personal prayer. The focus is on us, not others. However, others benefit when we are right with God. I've discovered when I "seek God's face" that I end up reflecting His values and ways of thinking. I believe God wants His house to be a house of prayer and His people to be lovers not sword-swingers.

It's time for Christians to honor the king, pray for our nation and put the sword in its sheath.

As for me and my house, we will not speak evil of Obama nor to others about Obama. He is our new President and has our support. (See Daniel 3:1-28 to answer all the "what if" questions)

God have mercy on the Farrell family.
God extend your grace on us as a nation.
Let our love for each other show others we are followers of you.
Your Kingdom come, your will be done.
Amen.