Making War

Was Jesus a peacemaker or something quite different?

Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems; and he has a name inscribed that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, wearing fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed, "King of kings and Lord of lords." - Revelation 19:11-16

The Book of Revelation is a captivating source for the fantastic.  It feeds our imaginations with apocalyptic visions that do not spare the blood and gore. 

Today's reading gives us a picture of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the rider in white who leads the charge against the nations with the sword of the Word.

There is nothing here to suggest that this is a guy who is loved by the world.  He brings truth, and truth is not what people want to hear.

As followers of Christ, shouldn't we be eager to join in the battle?  And if so, what will the swords of words slay?

We are called to share the Gospel of Christ, letting all know they can find salvation in Him, but is that enough to defeat evil and change the world?

Some would argue that we need to take a stand against injustice, and that is what is meant by the power of the word, while others say the power is found in our actions, and we need to combat evil with love.

But what I find challenging is the idea that life is a battle, that it is not about bringing peace, but waging war.

Is that a healthy vision to have?

I believe the imagery John describes in Revelation is there for a reason.  We see love as weakness and fighting as strength.

So to fight the good fight, we need confidence if we are to wage the battle using words and showing love.  These things need to be powerful weapons for us to choose the path of love.

John helps us see that they are, so we can go out there and spread the Good News, knowing it will conquer evil.

It isn't easy.  We tend to return violence for violence, hatred for hatred.  But if we stay focused on the sword, we can return love instead.

More to come...