On the
thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by
the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped
to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper
hand over those who hated them. The Jews assembled in their cities in all the provinces of King
Xerxes to attack those determined to destroy them. No one could stand against
them, because the people of all the other nationalities were afraid of them…The
Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them,
and they did what they pleased to those who hated them. Esther 9:1-2, 5
There’s
no rule against Christians defending their country or their family when
attacked. In fact, in the book of
Esther, the strength given to the Jews when defending themselves caused people
to fear them and fear God. Many Persians
became Jews during this time. (Something similar happened to the Egyptians
during the time of the plagues). Certain
people respond to strength and want to be a part of that power.
Jesus
talked about turning the other cheek in Matthew 5:39. Should Christians just be punching bags,
taken from and walked all over?
Certainly there are times when humility must be exercised and times when
strength must be shown. People respond
to either at the right times. Consult
your Holy Spirit over which should be shown when.