Most of us have lived our lives unaffected by the events of the world. There have been many personal tragedies of late, but overall, we in America have lived insulated from global wars and advancing armies. If we knew we were being surrounded by those who wanted to enslave us or become our executioners, how would we respond if there was no other option? As we make our proclamations of self-confidence formed in our isolation, none of us know how we would respond in that situation.

Masada is an ancient plateau sitting atop a rock plateau in southern Israel. It was the scene of a mass suicide of almost 1,000, men, women, and children that took place after the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and surrounded Masada to finish their mission of devastation. This last remnant of free people refused to live as Roman slaves.

From the history of the Masada event, a mindset emerged called the Samson Option. Samson was the man who refused to live in captivity with his Philistine captors so he pushed down the walls of their victory party killing his captors and bringing an end to his own life. The Samson option of today is believed to be an extreme nuclear option in Israel when the nation believes outside forces have overcome it and there is no way out to remain free.

As believers in Jesus, we have another option. We can remain free no matter where we are forced to live or what armies surround us with threats of death. Our days on Earth have been measured and determined by God, not by what surrounds us as an expression of overwhelming evil.

Our Samson Event is the peace Jesus offered us that cannot be overcome by threats or the presence of natural forces determined to take us out. That peace was given to us when Jesus rose from the dead and was seated on His throne in eternity. It cannot be diminished by anything that happens to us whether it is a personal or national threat. In times of great fear, the peace of Jesus is always present and available. Those who take hold of God’s peace will always remain free no matter what happens to them.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).