Carry Your Sword

1 Peter 5:11 – He gets the last word; yes, he does. (MSG)

Recently, I had to go into a Provincial Court building. Not thinking ahead about the security measures now in place, I was not quite prepared for what awaited me. I arrived, and when I took a look around, I thought I was in the airport! People were all in a queue to go through the metal detectors and to have all their personal effects searched. Security guards and police were all over the place.

When my turn came, I stepped forward, and placed my purse and briefcase on the table. I was then asked if I had anything metal in my pockets. Out came the car keys and the cellular phone. I had no sooner put the car keys on the table when security personnel from all around swarmed forward to retrieve the car keys. On the key ring was a small pocket knife. I hadn't even given it a second thought; it has always been on my key ring. The knife was taken, and then they began to search through my purse quite thoroughly and checked the cellphone case.

Still the security had not backed off. In fact, they were looking over the shoulder of the person checking my stuff. Then they came to the briefcase. As it was opened, there right on the top was my Bible. As quickly as the security had swarmed, they retreated.

I was ushered through the next step — the metal detector. I would like to say that I passed through without setting it off, but it took six times for me to finally get the green light to proceed into the building. [A word of advice for those stopping for coffee before going into a high security building: avoid putting the change in your back pocket!]

We know that Jesus was stopped many times, and his credentials questioned. It is possible that He may have even been searched.

Jesus didn't carry a Bible which when discovered quietened highly inquisitive security officers. He did carry the Father's love, which often disarmed swarming crowds. Jesus freely offered compassion and mercy to those whom He met.

Job 12:21b-22 – He … disarms the mighty. He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank You for Your Word, which we can take with us and which speaks volumes to the world. Help us to be Your hands and feet to bring Your love, compassion, and mercy to all whom we meet. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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