A while back I wrote a post “What Jesus Probably Didn’t Mean – Matthew 5:9“, in which I tried to explain the difference between being a peace keeper and a peace maker. Check it out.
Based on my understanding of Jesus command to be a peace maker, (as opposed to simply a peace keeper), I have ventured into considering the Biblical argument for the passivist life, and why some believers – me included – naturally tend to justify violence in our lives.
In this journey, I tripped over a book by Preston Sprinkle, called Fight, and found it to be very challenging.
One of the more challenging portions of the book – there are many portions of the book that are challenging! – is his portion on the book of Revelation.
He lifts Jesus up as our example, and writes…
“The book of Revelation is all about how Jesus conquers Babylon. The word conquer (verb: nikao; noun” nike) conjours up images of military victory and everyone in John’s world knows this”
A bit later he continues…
“The Lamb conquers by being conquered. In fact, whenever Jesus is the subject of the verb nikao in Revelation, it refers to His own death. Jesus conquers by dying.”
Lastly, Mr. Preston refers to Revelation 19:13
He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.
His teaching shocked me, since I have always assumed the blood to be of His enemies. Read the passage in context and tell me whose blood is on His robes.
Like I said, it is a very challenging book, and I highly recommend it – unless you like being comfortable…
If any who are reading this and have found what I am describing, please let me know. If any are hungry for church life that “connects”, that is living and breathing, reach out. Others may be able to help you.
Comment as you see fit. I always love hearing from you.
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