Making the Most of the Time While Self-Sheltering (from someone with experience)

As some of you may be aware, my daughter, Grace, has been “trapped indoors” for almost 4 years as the result of being struck by a car in a crosswalk.  She also, among other challenges, has a suppressed immune system and is sensitive to infection, viruses, etc. Due to her injuries she is forced indoors. On her blog she gives simple and helpful advice about how to handle being “trapped” indoors and making the most of the time… making it meaningful. Below is an excerpt from her blog:  

 Being trapped indoors for several weeks sounds daunting – perhaps even terrifying, depending on your baseline activity or anxiety level. However, I’ve been “trapped” indoors for around three and a half years due to my neurological disabilities and I’ve learned plenty of tricks to keep my days not just full, but meaningful. Some of these I learned in occupational therapy, some I learned from managing online school, and some I learned from plain ol’ trial and error. Hopefully, they can help y’all relax and view this time as an opportunity instead of an obstacle.

 Make a plan. I was never a to-do list sort of girl before my accident, but I quickly became one afterward. Writing out a list of things to accomplish each day keeps you from feeling bored and also gives you a mood jolt every time you cross something off your list. “There’s nothing to do” is a dangerous slogan. There’s always something to do if you look hard enough. Besides, the more you say something, the more likely you are to believe it.

Set goals. This goes hand-in-hand with your daily to-do list but is more fun since it gives you concrete markers to aim for. Is there a book you’ve been wanting to read? Give yourself a certain number of days to finish it, then schedule a certain amount of reading time into each day. What about that Spring Cleaning project you’ve been threatening to start? Now’s the perfect time! The great part about being inside for a few weeks is that you don’t have to tackle everything all at once unless you want to. Instead, you can spread projects over multiple days by scheduling just a chunk of time per project per day. The important part is to stay consistent. Ready for the fun part about goal-setting? REWARDS! True, your reward bank might be a tad limited at the moment, but I bet you still have some rewards you can enjoy when you meet your goals. Or, if you really want something exotic, make another list of rewards to enjoy once you can go out again.

 Stay active. This is a HUGE one for me. I have to exercise around an hour a day due to residual physical deficits, but did you know the average adult needs 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times per week? None of us will be going to the gym any time in the near future, but you can find plenty of exercise videos on YouTube. For those of us who are fans of walking or running on the treadmill, Spotify has exercise playlists organized by BPM. I’m trying the 140 BPM playlist for at-home walking (I can’t run)…my only disclaimer is I’d be careful about this option if you live on the second floor of an apartment complex! And friendly reminder, “Shelter at Home” doesn’t mean you can’t go on an outdoor walk by yourself or with a family member. Fresh air is always the best medicine…just stay away from strangers while you’re taking it! 😉

 Set time limits. This one is both a “do” and a “don’t.” Scheduling activities to occur at certain points throughout your day and deciding how much time you will spend on each of them is a great way to make time fly. I’m frequently surprised at how quickly the time passes between my alarm ringing at 5:40 am (thank you, Ivan!) and my medication alert clattering at 5:30 pm. That being said, it’s a good idea to set limits on screen time as well. Vacations are notorious for Netflix and gaming binges, and there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that. But we’re in this for a lot more than one week, and staring at screens for hour upon hour as you lounge on a lumpy couch is NOT good for your mind and body. So, enjoy your “guilty” pleasures but set a timer on your phone and make sure you’re getting up to stretch or…ahem…exercise. Even wiser would be investing an equal or greater amount of time interacting with those around you and exercising your mind through activities like reading or learning something new (podcasts are a great place to start!)

These are just a few of the tips and tricks I’ve discovered over the past few years. Feel free to comment below or on Facebook if you have some of your own that you’d like to share. It’s true that we’re in for a difficult few weeks, but I also think it’s an excellent opportunity to practice “making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16).

Best Practices (Physical and Spiritual) for Coronavirus Outbreak

Based upon Santa Clara County health recommendations, we have canceled this weekend’s services. Thursday, we taped a worship set and a message from Pastor Paul and me. You will (have) receive(d) text and email notifications on how to access them on social media, our website, etc. from Dave Dearinger, our Executive Pastor. Dave also included suggestions on how to worship with others in smaller gatherings utilizing this service. Don’t miss it as it contains important information (news) about one of next chapters of ministry in the life of Hillside Church!

PHYSICAL:

• Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following.

• Wash your hands frequently. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

• Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

• Maintain social distancing Maintain at least 1-meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

• Practice respiratory hygiene. Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

AND (ABOVE ALL) REMEMBER:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Cling to what is true. God is still on the throne, still in control, and allowing these trials for the strengthening and exercise of our faith and spiritual muscles (James 1:2-4). Psalm 121:4 (and forward) tells us that our God never sleeps or slumbers or forgets to care for and protect His people. These aren’t platitudes… this is truth.

Hang on. Times like these tend to tempt us to weary of well-doing and forsake worship and the assembling of ourselves together. But it is in times like these that we need to draw nearer to God (He will draw nearer to us). The temporary trial is just that: a temporary trial. Part of our Be One; Bring One; Build One strategy that enables us to change this world one soul at a time with the message of Jesus Christ is clinging to what is true and living out our faith (Be One). So, be one!

Hang in there. Worship the Lord this weekend and stay tuned. God is using these situations and circumstances in our lives for good, our’s and other’s. We may not understand it all or see it as He does (kind of like Job) but we need to trust in God, even when life hurts.

Tune in for service. Worship with us at hillside.org/services.

God bless you!

Getting the Family Ready for Sunday Morning (Especially if You Have Small Children)

The pastoral staff and I are together reading Disciplines for a Godly Man (updated) by R. Kent Hughes. Hughes was one of my professors during my Doctoral Cohort. By the time I began my doctoral work, “Disciplines” had been out for close to 20 years.

Dr. Hughes practices what he preaches and writes. Each Tuesday at 9 AM the pastoral staff discusses another chapter. Whether a man is a pastor or not he’ll always benefit from reading and re-reading this book. Ladies, this is a great Father’s Day gift (just sayin’). One of the (many) impacting chapters in this book has to do with worship and getting ready for Sunday worship (as a subtopic). Rereading it took me back to my days as a father of young children. One of the things we did right was to create an anticipation of sorts for Sunday worship. We talked about going to church and worshipping God, God’s love for us and the children and how we should love Him back.

In chapter 9 Hughes gives great advice on practical steps to prepare the family for Sunday. I won’t cover them all here because I want you to invest spiritually by buying and ingesting and digesting what he writes in his book. Nevertheless, let me touch on a few practices that fathers and mothers of young children—and teens to young adults—can do to prepare the family for Sunday. Getting babies and toddlers ready Sunday morning (particularly if you have a number of small children) can be like herding cats on Sunday. Getting them up, fed, dressed, and out the door can be a challenge. Getting yourself ready presents its own challenges. There’s nothing like getting all stressed out and frenetically getting everyone out the door 15 minutes late and exchanging glances and barbs with your spouse on the way to church. It teaches children profound and lasting lessons of the worst kind, giving them a peculiar impression of the Christian faith and Christian worship.

What to do? If you don’t do this already, make plans with your spouse and then your family to pre-prepare by laying out clothes the night before, getting to bed at a decent hour, prepping breakfast the night before (if necessary) so that you can be ready to roll come Sunday. The “grab and go” scenario that this sets up is markedly stress-free compared to the alternative. This can be done any time on Saturday before the day gets away.

Spiritual preparation is far less complicated and more impactful. For example, take time at the dinner table to pray for Sunday worship when you say the blessing. Consider reading the passage or chapter of the Bible that is going to be preached on Sunday and discuss it at the table—or just mention it. Mention throughout the day that you are looking forward to church (tomorrow/Sunday). Set aside a few minutes to pray together as a family for the service, the sound techs, the ushers, the musicians, the Sunday school teachers, the pastor, the passage, and the work of the Lord in the hearts of His people.

Last and not least, make sure everyone goes to bed at a decent hour. It will be easier to get them out of bed in the morning and young children will be less cranky—adults, too. Plan a wake-up time that allows for the family to get ready without a frenzied rush. As you consider what I’ve written here… think through for yourself other steps you can take to prepare yourself, your heart, and your family for Sunday worship. And when it’s over, then what? Consider discussing at lunch or dinner how you as a family can, collectively and individually, apply the sermon. See you Sunday!

Questions Regarding Self Defense and the Use of Lethal Force (and a lesson in interpretation)

2 If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, 3 but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. (Exodus 22:2-3)

(this is the final installment in a series of three posts)

There are some who wrestle with this passage in terms of using lethal force in self-defense. Not to oversimplify, there are some who read verses 2-3 and conclude that if a thief breaks into a home after nightfall the use of lethal force is justified. However, if a thief breaks into a home during the daylight hours the use of lethal force is not justified. Put another way, to some it appears that the verses seem to say that the use of lethal force for a burglary is always justified after dark and never justified during daylight hours (vis-à-vis the use of the “shall be” statements). Here is a cautionary tale about avoiding wooden literalism.

Such a dichotomy (and interpretation) struggles to make sense for several reasons. Let’s think through this together. What is a thief? How is a thief recognized? Do we check ID… credentials? Notice what it does not say, “If a murderer is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies…” Also consider this, from an interpretive perspective: nowhere in the verse does it say that the thief struck and killed in verse 2 is breaking in at night. We assume so because of the language, syntax, and near context of verse 3. Where in verse 2 does it say this? It doesn’t. Avoid reading things into a verse that are not there.

Take a good long look at verse 3. In the words of Inigo Montoya (cf. the movie, “The Princess Bride”), “I do not think it means what you think it means…” Verse 3 seems to speak of a thief captured during the night and killed after sunrise. Why would we say this?

3 but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. (Exodus 22:3)

Let's read this verse carefully. But if the sun has risen on him (him, who?). There shall be bloodguilt for him (him, who?). He shall surely pay (he, who?). If he has nothing left (he who?). He shall pay for his theft (he, who?) Pay for his theft (whose theft, who pays?). You have to carefully watch the grammar and the antecedents. Perhaps a common sense reading of the text implies that the thief is not killed and help prisoner? Perhaps.

How can the thief pay for his theft if he was killed during the night? Will he “have nothing” if he is dead? Will the homeowner “have nothing?” It is unlikely since the thief is the one who committed the crime, who broke in, that the homeowner would be expected to pay a fine or make restitution (to whom). It is equally unlikely that the homeowner was killed while trying to rob himself in broad daylight. Also, the language speaks to a passage of time wherein the sun rose over the actions of the thief. What might that mean?

It might mean that the thief was captured and detained until sunrise. It might also seems indicate that the thief could not be killed after being captured by the homeowner. Instead, the thief would pay some sort of financial penalty or face being sold into slavery. 

Now we have another complication besides grammar and language: historical context. Should we sell such thieves into slavery today? In other words, consider the historical and cultural context (more on that later). What’s our point? When reading and applying a text like this, take the most obvious and simplest understanding of the text and generalize a principle. But don’t build a theology of self-defense from it.

3 but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. (Exodus 22:3)--don't gloss over the "he's," "his's," and "him's."

Does anyone want to build a theology of self-defense precluding lethality from verse 3? Just for greater clarity of understanding, We checked a dozen commentators as to what verse 3 might mean. No one was quite sure, and their answers were guess work and conjecture (reading into the text). The consensus, as much as there was one, was something to the effect that in broad daylight neighbors and passersby could be enlisted to capture the burglar (robber) and so he need not be killed. Verse 2, because it was night, allowed for defending oneself by any means necessary from the home invasion of the criminal. There was some discussion that people who break-in at night are more of a danger to a homeowner than those who attempt a daytime home invasion. 

Let’s look at this passage again and determine just what we can be certain of. Let’s pull them out of this passage without reading anything into it.

2 If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, 3 but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. (Exodus 22:2-3)

What does the Bible say about what could reasonably happen during a break-in (in this passage)? What do the words say, what do they mean, and how then should we live in response to what we read. There are a number of possibilities and principles we can pull out of this text.

Possibility-principle number one. If you break into someone’s home, you put your life at risk, particularly at night. Burglars/thieves risk death when they endanger others by breaking into their homes to steal from them or forcefully deprive them of their property or money, particularly at night.

Possibility-principle number two. Under a certain set of circumstances, no one is going to question the decision to take the life of a thief or burglar in such a break-in. It’s no surprise that homeowners, parents, spouses, siblings, or offspring might find it necessary to defend themselves or others from harm—potential harm or real harm (warning: this video is rather graphic). Under a certain set of circumstances, God allows the taking of life in self-defense. As you can see from the previous link, daytime break-ins are just as life threatening as night time break-ins. Would it be immoral or unbiblical for this woman to defend herself, the three year old on the sofa and the baby upstairs from this attack by using lethal force?

Possibility-principle number three. There might be certain circumstances where others might question taking the life of a thief or burglar. For example, if the thief or burglar is captured in your home and restrained (surrenders or is taken prisoner) there can be no justification for taking his life after daybreak (i.e. “and the sun has risen on him)”. The captured criminal can expect to be held accountable. In the historical context of our passage, there was apparently both criminal and civil liability. He could expect to make restitution or pay a fine. In the Ancient Near East, in biblical times, if the thief or burglar is unable to pay or make restitution, then he or she could be sold as a slave (they didn’t have penitentiaries in those days). And in most cases theft did not result in capital punishment by the authorities.

If you have a home-invasion (or daylight break-in) is deadly force sin in any and all cases? In other words, does verse 3 preclude you or I from taking the life of someone breaking into our homes during the daylight hours? As Christ-followers we do not want to wantonly take life. However, as shepherds and stewards, we are remiss in not protecting our family, our lives, and our home. That’s what shepherds do. Shepherds protect the flock. Thieves, as Jesus points out, come with three primary objectives: “to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10).” Jesus came that we should have life (we refer to believers). A hireling does not protect the sheep. A shepherd lays down his life against wolves… (human or otherwise).

Should you passively accept or tolerate those coming to steal, kill, and destroy without defending yourself or your family by any means possible, including lethal force? Exodus 22:3 makes no such demand. Jesus told His disciples they would be treated as criminals and they should protect themselves from attack and He did not limit it to night time attacks or preclude self-defense and lethal force in daylight attacks:

And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” (Luke 22:36-38)

Think it over. If Jesus allows self-defense with a lethal weapon (sword) in the face of persecution, then would Jesus prohibit protecting the home day or night? Would he restrict self-defense day or night in the face of a criminal coming to steal or kill or destroy? You certainly can’t make such a case from Exodus 22:3. Given what Jesus says in Luke 22:36-38, given the fact that a sword is a lethal weapon, Jesus affirms lethal force in self-defense.

Jesus doesn’t limit the time of day in this New Testament passage (Luke 22:36-38). Certainly, lethal force should be avoided if possible. However, those who break in and steal face the possibility that their actions will cost them their lives as they choose to endanger themselves and others by entering a home violently or by stealth.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. In the process of stealing the thief may do great bodily harm, kill, or cripple an innocent. Given the choice to let someone harm my family or take their life, I have decided in my mind that I will do whatever is necessary to neutralize the threat—up to and including deadly force. Deadly force in the daylight hours is not sin. It is not prohibited as the whole counsel of Scripture, including the teachings of Christ, never prohibits such an option. Luke’s account of Jesus’ teaching seems to make this clear. The words of Jesus that we are free to defend ourselves from attack, even with a lethal weapon like a sword (or in our context a gun).

Capital Punishment

Let’s talk about capital punishment. Amid the discussion of the church shooting in White Settlement, Texas I was asked about capital punishment and self-defense killing. Therefore, I will take up these two questions in successive blog posts. We’ll start capital punishment.

Is capital punishment biblical? Does God favor capital punishment? Briefly stated, the answer is yes. How can we say this? Some may ask, “Isn’t capital punishment part of the Old Testament Law and hasn’t the Gospel of Grace, embodied in the teachings of Jesus, rendered capital punishment obsolete?”

There are typically two arguments forwarded against capital punishment. They are as follows: (a) capital punishment is unbiblical and now obsolete; (b) capital punishment is unfair because of the possibility corrupt officials may use it against undeserving, voiceless defendants, as well as the possibility of an innocent person being sentenced to death. Both arguments are invalid.

God prescribed capital punishment before the giving of the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses incorporates capital punishment. God prescribed capital punishment before Moses received the Law from God and shortly after the Noahic Flood. That capital punishment was decreed before the Mosaic Law indicates that with that law’s fulfillment in Christ (i.e. ceremonial law) that capital punishment still stands. Where do we see capital punishment was decreed before Moses? We see this command in Genesis 9:6.

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (Genesis 9:6)

Don’t miss what is going on here. First, you have a prescription, then you have the rationale. The prescription for capital punishment is murder. If you kill someone, then you will be killed. The reason for terminating the life of a murderer: human life is precious in that it was created in the image of God.

God created man in His own image. Scholars refer to this as the Imago Dei (Image of God). Humans are a reflection of God’s moral, spiritual, and intellectual nature. Thus, humans mirror God's divinity in their ability to exercise the attributes or qualities of God which He gave them (i.e. communicable attributes). These attributes separate humankind from the animal kingdom.

Defacing the image of God and taking a life that God has given is a serious offense. The Law of Moses expands on our understanding, distinguishing between premeditated murder and manslaughter. The Law of Moses goes on to consider and develop aggravating and mitigating circumstances warranting mercy or execution. But the premise of capital punishment is violating the Imago Dei (Image of God) bestowed by God. No one has the prerogative to careless or wantonly terminate that image. To do so invokes the death penalty.

Is it possible to execute the wrong person for the wrong reason? Yes, it is. Do the imperfections of fallen, sinful, and fallible humanity invalidate the word of God, the will of God, or the commands of God? No, they do not. The Old Testament Law and the New Testament prescriptions assume a trial by peers or duly constituted governing authority to minimize this.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:1-4)

God gave government to administrate capital punishment. He did not give us perfect governments. Realize that Paul, or rather the Holy Spirit through Paul, is calling upon us to respect governing authority (see also 1 Peter 2) in a time when the governing authority was the Roman Empire (and Nero). The God who causes all things to work together for good (Romans 8:28ff) employs fallible people, sometimes even corrupt people and institutions, to do his will. And we see this principle of treating these governing authorities with respect modeled by Jesus Christ during His interactions with Pontius Pilate in the gospels. During the time when Israel was governed by Torah such decisions were left to councils of elders or civic leaders. In Romans 13 “bearing the sword” speaks to the ability to take life. This prevented vigilante justice. Nevertheless, human beings’ fallibility, being a consequence of the fall of humanity (Romans 5:12-13) did not and does not invalidate capital punishment any more than human failings preclude the enforcement of any other command of God, civil laws, or criminal laws.

God has typically relied on imperfect, fallen human agency to execute the unrighteous. You see this when human armies are used to mete out divine justice on a large scale. You see this when government or city councils (councils of elder citizens) adjudicated cases in the Old and New Testaments.  

Capital punishment is capital protection. It removes a threat from society. This is why God gave it as a command in Genesis 9:6 and this is what we find in Romans 13:4 “For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer (Romans 13: 4).”

Logically speaking, capital protection does not correct behavior but removes a threat. A dead person cannot be reformed. As a threat to society, his individual danger to society is eliminated when he is executed. This is why some refer to capital punishment as capital protection. Capital protection has a deterrence factor—when not ignored or neglected.  

The gospel of grace does not nullify capital protection. Jesus affirms capital punishment, even elevating the bar (widening the list of capital crimes and punishment) in The Sermon on the Mount:

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. (Matthew 5:21-22)

Understand what is going on here. “Liable to judgment” (for murder), in Matthew 5:21, refers to execution. Jesus is saying that His hearers had heard that murder will likely result in the death penalty. He is also warning that hatred deserves the same penalty (hatred in one’s heart) and the expression of hatred (“you fool”) warrants hell in the next life. Notice the presence of the word “council” as a duly constituted authority.

Capital punishment (capital protection) is no small matter. The taking of human life is no small affair. God has prescribed (commanded) that murder (the unjustified taking of human life) not go unpunished. In cases where He shows grace (as only God can do), we are not to assume that God’s grace speaks to either God’s approval or permission. Capital punishment was always a governmental function from the time of Noah to Moses to Rome to today. It was administered primarily by fallible human agency. There was and is no room for personal vengeance. Nevertheless, a civilized society protects its people from murdering and marauding wolves vis-à-vis a council of elders in a tribe (ancient Israel), the prescriptions of the Mosaic Law (via the council), or the governments that God ordains and permits (Romans 13, 1 Peter 2; Matthew 5:21).

A society that ignores this mandate subjects itself to moral decay decays because it does not take God at His word. Life becomes cheap as in our own culture of death and injustice today where we murder the unborn and infirm but not the wolf who preys on the flock. We must ask ourselves what does the Bible say?

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. (Matthew 5:21-22)

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:3-4)

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (Genesis 9:6)

The Bible is clear. There are no biblical prohibitions against capital punishment prior to the giving of the Law of Moses, after the giving of the Law of Moses, or after the incarnation of Christ. The commands have never been nullified by God, Jesus Christ (God the Son) or anyone else. Capital punishment is biblical. It is mandated by Scripture.

Thoughts on the Church Shooting in White Settlement, Texas (A Biblical Perspective)

What do we make of the killing of a church shooter at West Freeway Church of Christ? The tragedy in White Settlement, Texas, is as lamentable as it is unpreventable. In a fallen world that is increasingly Christ-hostile, such things are bound to happen with an increased frequency. 

They are shocking surprises when they occur. Equally surprising was the intervention of a church security volunteer who cut short the carnage by killing the shooter. Some say his actions were necessary because by the time the police would have arrived, dozens could have been dead.

I did not want to comment on this event until more information was available. Not that some time has passed, I would like to comment on this church shooting and the countermeasures taken to stop the shooter. Many pundits and at least one prominent evangelical pastor have weighed in on the killing of the shooter. Some raised the question of “turning the other cheek” and showing this Christian virtue in the face of persecution.

 Where does turning the other cheek come into play? Turning the other cheek is a personal decision we are encouraged to make when facing persecution for our faith. It does not apply to a situation like this church shooting. The security volunteer made the right call and took the appropriate action to protect the flock from a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

 “Turning the other cheek” was a particular illustration grounded in the culture of Jesus’ day. The slap on the cheek was also known as “the heretic’s slap.” It was a slap of contempt given on the occasion of a false teaching. It was not an attempt to do real harm or take someone’s life. What happened in Texas does not apply to what is popularly understood as “turning the other cheek.” This fact will become clearer as we consider the broader context of Scripture.

 To be clear, there is nothing Christ-like about allowing such an event to go unchecked. Imagine allowing a rapist to abuse a woman in the name of persecution, harm a child, or murdering congregation members. A church’s leaders are called to shepherd the flock of God. This involves caring for and feeding the flock. This also involves protection—that’s what shepherds do. 

If one looks to the Bible for guidance, examples of lethal self-defense abound. Israel defended herself against her enemies at God’s command and with God’s approval. Consider how many times God raised up judges to confront the nation’s persecutors (read the book of Judges).

This kind of lethal self-defense is not an isolated event but part of a larger pattern. During the exile, when the anti-Semite, Haman, in the time of Esther, sought to wipe out the Jews, King Ahasuerus permitted them to arm and to defend themselves. The Jewish people celebrate the holy day Purim to commemorate this action.

 We see this pattern again in the book of Nehemiah. At the command of Nehemiah, the builders armed themselves to defend against attacks by Sanballat and his henchmen. Israel’s enemies tried to prevent the restoration of the Temple, but they were stymied by the armed and ready Jewish defenders.

 Some suggest that Jesus condemned the use of force for self-defense. The example often cited is John 18:10-11. At Jesus’ arrest, Peter pulled out a sword and hacked off an attacker’s ear. Jesus does not tell Peter to get rid of his sword but to sheath it. He does not ask him to discard it. It’s not about passivism, it’s about God’s plan for Jesus’ sacrifice:

10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:10-11)

 Some attempt to derive a principle of living by the sword and dying by the sword from Matthew 26:52-54. This is not prescriptive but descriptive of the situation:

 Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53 “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 “How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?” (Matthew 26:52-54)

 Context is helpful. Passages like this must be read (and applied) in context. There is the immediate context of the passage, the near context in a book or section of Scripture, and there is the wider context in terms of the whole counsel of Scripture, in this case, the gospels. If Jesus was, in fact, prescribing a practice not describing what would happen to Peter and others if they resisted, then Jesus contradicts Himself within the Gospels. In Luke 22:31-35

Jesus teaches the opposite of passivism. At the close of Jesus’ earthly public ministry, Jesus warned of Satan’s attacks upon His disciples (and upon Peter and the Apostles). He also advised them to take steps to guard and defend themselves. While Jesus assured them He would provide for them, He also warned them of their responsibility for their own protection:

 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” 34 And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” 35 And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.” 36 And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. 37 “For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” 38 They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.” (Luke 22:31-35)

 Human beings are people of extremes. Indeed, those who characteristically live by the sword also die by the sword. At the same time, those who insist on not defending themselves or others are likely to die or allow others to die needlessly. Both extremes lack a biblical basis (aggression and passivism). Even Exodus 22:2 allows for taking the life of a burglar breaking in at night. Refusing to defend oneself and others cannot be rationalized on the basis of turning the other cheek.

Indeed, the Church is not to live by the sword. However, neither can the people of God afford to live without the sword in a fallen world. Eschewing self-defense for a misguided, though perhaps well intended, spirituality will lead to needless suffering and death.

When a wolf invades the pasture, the shepherds see to the protection of the flock. They may lay down their lives. Moreover, they will not stand idly by and watch a wolf literally or spiritually tear the flock to pieces. Neither do they flee like hirelings, failing to intervene. They engage.

 The idea that Jesus is a passivist is unsupportable in Scripture (Luke 22:31-35 and Revelation 19:14-16). Nowhere in Scripture is the practice of passivism prescribed. Nowhere in Scripture is self-defense ruled out. The opposite is true.

Self-defense is necessary because the police cannot respond quickly enough. What took place in White Settlement, Texas, should be a model for a church protecting the flock. There is nothing spiritual about allowing a murderer to slaughter God’s people for any reason. Such attacks (and such defenses) have little or nothing to do with “turning the other cheek.” We are to be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). In today’s world and context, this entails taking steps to protect itself and others.