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. 

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