Friday, January 26, 2018

Is God a warrior?



Events of the last several years suggests a serious challenge to our thinking about God and conflict. On more than one occasion, ISIS fighters have released videos urging others to join them.  In the videos they make three claims: that jihad involves actual combat; that this is the will of Allah; and that in this Muslim men will find their purpose in life.

Christians often take lightly how indebted our theology of God is to Old Testament ideas of God as a warrior.  Most of our language of God as Almighty, as the Lord of Hosts, and of God having a mighty hand and outstretched arm originates in the context of God fighting as a warrior on behalf of His people.

In Isaiah 42:13 we read that, “The Lord goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes.”

When you see pictures of Jesus, do they often depict Him as a warrior?  Do they ever show Him defeating his enemies?  Probably not.  Generally, He is longingly gazing heavenward, holding a child or a lamb.  Isaiah, however, is very clear about our God, He is a warrior.

In fact, Revelation 19:12-16 reveals what He will look like when He comes to judge and make war.  “His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.  The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.  "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

This may appear to contradict what we are called to do as Christians.  For example, Jesus instructs us to turn the other cheek (See Matthew 5:39), go an extra mile (See Matthew 5:41), love our enemies (See Matthew 5:44), and show mercy (See Matthew 5:7).

How can we do this when our God has a sharp sword and is dressed in a robe that is dipped in blood? We are free to do this as Christians because it isn’t our job to judge God’s enemies or make them pay the wages of their sin!  We are to love them so that they may come to worship this warrior God.

While our God is holy and just, He is also merciful.  Merciful, even to the point of sacrificing His only Son that we, His enemies, may be made into friends.  We can endure hardships, trials, and injustice done to us because we know that our God is coming back to “judge the living and the dead.” (2 Timothy 4:1)  And He promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

What does this mean for us?

First, even as God is involved in conflict, He is working to open our eyes so that we see it differently, and have a new perspective on it.

And second, His goal is to bring the whole world to the point where conflict is no more. Reconciliation is one of the most powerful metaphors for what God has achieved in Christ, and a powerful model for our role in the world. 




Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you to know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.
Discover how you can find peace with God.


 


Friday, January 19, 2018

Giving Grace to Others



"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:7-10)

The old saying “You are what you eat” has a lot of truth to it.  But, in this case, it should say “You are what you feed on!”  If you feed on the Word and things of the Spirit, you can’t help but reap things of the Spirit.

God wants us to do this in all ways, not just in our spiritual life, but also in our physical life within this world.  We must be the light that shines for the world to see.  This light must be allowed to shine on everyone at all times.

It is easy to do good to those who do good to us.  Everyone is capable of doing this.  We, as believers, must do good to everyone, whether they do good to us or not.  
 We must show God’s grace and mercy to all that we encounter so that they may see God through us.

Jesus allowed that grace to be shown to us.  We did not deserve it, yet, it was given to us freely.  How can we, who did not deserve that grace and mercy, show nothing but grace and mercy to others who are as worthy as we are?




Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you to know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.
Discover how you can find peace with God.