Violence vs Peaceful Protest

 

As I was reading 2 Kings 10 and 11 today, I am embarrassed by the violence in these two chapters in the name of the Lord. Historically, violence in support of Christianity is not new and the Old Testament gives great examples that it wasn't because of Jesus that this trend continued.

"Jehu responded with a second letter. 'If you are on my side and are going to obey me, bring the heads of your master's sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.' Now the seventy sons of the king were being cared for by the leaders of Samaria, where they had been raised since childhood. When the letter arrived, the leaders killed all seventy of the king's sons. They placed their heads in baskets and presented them to Jehu at Jezreel." (2 Kings 10:6,7)

Later, in the book of Hosea, Jehu is comdemned for his tactic of violence.

"And the Lord said, 'Name the child Jezreel, for I am about to punish King Jehu's dynasty to avenge the murders he committed at Jezreel. In fact, I will bring an end to Israel's independence. I will break its military power in the Jezreel Valley." (Hosea 1:4,5) 

 The entire nation of Israel suffered. Anger is a powerful force in this world. Jehu took the call from the message from the Lord against Ahab's sons to mean he was given a mandate to kill all of Ahab's relatives. We always have a choice. We can choose violence or choose peaceful protest. Jehu chose violence and his dynasty lived and died through violence.

I love Martin Luther King and his peaceful protests. Protesting abortion or oppression or injustice is not only right, we are called to stand up against these evils. But, when we stand up by means of violence, violence begets violence. Regardless what you think of Donald Trump, you have to admit, that his tactics embolden the left wing viewpoint. Violence from black lives matter protests have hurt their cause and entrenches others to call for counter violence. 

As Christians we are given a mandate to point out injustices in the world. We must speak for the truth with no apologies, but Jesus did not view violence as a solution and neither should we. The early church stood up against the mighty Roman Empire by refusing to disavow their faith, but they also refused to advocate a violent response. This is the message of Jesus in Matthew 5:3-10:

"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted  for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." (Matthew 5:3-10)

We cannot demonstrate humility through violence. Our desire for justice cannot be filled through violence. How can violence be a tool for showing mercy? We cannot advocate for peace if we do not live in peace. We cannot fight persecution with violence. We must stand up for what is right and if we are persecuted for that stand, not reciprocating with violence, we will receive the Kingdom of Heaven!