Monday, November 13th, 2017

Yesterday, in observance of Veteran's Day, many decided to boycott the NFL because of the kneeling protests by some players throughout this season. This protest and counter-protest has caused more bitterness and anger on both sides of the divide than most ever anticipated it would. It has gotten to the point now that to forfeit one's side to seek peace would be viewed as an abdication of duty and lack of conviction. Such stalemates seldom come to an end--they are only moved to the back burner of public attention until a new event or news story reignites the controversy. The same happens with issues of gun control, immigration, and countless other hot button issues.

Jesus faced unmatched persecution in his life, especially at the end. At the time he was taken by the Romans, there were two sides with bitter differences in belief about Him. Famously, when those sides met, Peter lashed out in anger and cut the ear of Malchus with his sword, one of the other side. Rather than applaud that action in seeming defense of His cause, Jesus rebuked Peter saying, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword." In this Jesus shows us the answer to our earthly squabbles: fighting each other will only lead to our own defeat. Only in Him can we be one. Today, pray for unity in our nation in Jesus. Devote yourself to being a voice for Him and not for division.

"Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword." -- Matthew 26:52 ESV