Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword away. All who live by the sword will perish by the sword. If I asked him, my Father would immediately send more than twelve legions of angels?” (pp Matt. 26:52-54)
Peter listened to Jesus and 30 years later give us this wisdom: “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate … pay them back with a blessing” (1Pet.3:9)
Lord Jesus, we come to you today with cries of lament and sighs of longing. How long, O Lord, until you return and put an end to all violence—whether it’s through an assassin’s bullet, drones in Kiev, bullies on the playground, rage-igniting politics, sexual exploitation, the rhetoric of hate—even among Christians “biting and devouring one another.” (Gal.5:15).
How long before there are no more threats of war, violent weather patterns, or even divisive personalities? When will the dawn break on the Day of no more arguments between friends, pettiness between spouses, and shaming by parents? When will instruments of war become tools for gardening? (Isa.2:4). When will all aggression in our hearts become adoration throughout the world—on the Day your glory covers the earth as the waters cover the sea? How long, O Lord, how long?
Lord Jeus, until that Day, Jesus, help us live by the Gospel not by the sword, by the way of your cross not by the ways of mere men. You haven’t called us to be pacifists or pacifiers, but peace-makers. You are the Prince of Peace—sovereign over angels, disciples, and demons—kings, darkness, and conflicts. Grant us grace-seed to sow today wherever you have placed us. May “turning the other cheek” always mean we are turning our face towards yours and away from retaliation. So Very Amen.