Is His Scepter a Sword?
By F.
WORD is going the rounds of the press that a certain bishop, together with numerous other clergymen, has enrolled as a “rookie” in one of the Eastern military training camps. The purpose, it is stated, is to register his indorsement of the idea, and to show his personal willingness to fight. To the bishop we would put these questions: Is the scepter of the Prince of peace a sword? Is the “other cheek” to be covered with a visored helmet of steel? Since when has the kingdom of Jesus become of this earth? “My kingdom is not of this world,” said the Master. “If My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight: . . . but now is My kingdom not from hence.” John 18: 36. The Scriptures declare that they who “take the sword shall perish with the sword.” The “sword of the Spirit” is not wrought from steel; neither is the “shield of faith” formed in munition plants; nor is the “breast-plate of righteousness” cast from metal. F.