Jesus comes forth today not as the Lamb, as he has been portrayed up to now, but as a warrior. But not a warrior in the sense of the word as we would imagine. What images come to your mind when you think of a warrior going to battle? Jesus is not covered in armor. There are not tanks or weapons, fighter jets, or any such military might standing by. Jesus is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, with crowns adorning his head. His only “weapon” was the sword coming from his mouth.
He is clearly identified to us in terms we associate with Jesus. “Faithful and True,” the “Word of God,” “King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” We are bombarded with visions, each beginning with John’s words, “I saw.” By now, we know John isn’t describing real events or occurrences but helping us understand using symbols of real occurrences. The victory is sure, but we don’t necessarily need to be expecting a white horse and rider!
When Jesus came to earth wrapped in human flesh, many people were disappointed because they expected their Messiah to be a warrior, someone who would save them from their oppression. Little did they know Jesus was, indeed, a warrior who was fighting many unseen battles on their behalf. Jesus has been doing that from the beginning of time.
Jesus didn’t have an army of armed militia, neither then nor at any time. The army of supporters John saw with Jesus were likewise not armed for battle. The sword, representing the Word of God, was all that Jesus has ever needed to protect himself and the faithful ones. It is powerful. It gives life. It is truth. It is the very same weapon we hold in our own hands!
Jesus personifies the Word of God for us. Jesus is all we need to stand strong before our adversaries. There aren’t words grand enough to describe Jesus in his true splendor and majesty. Our focus needs to be on Jesus when our lives are clouded over with doom and gloom. When we are feeling lost, alone, stuck, without direction, our answer is Jesus!
Many of John’s contemporaries, and even us today, have become complacent. We tend to take God for granted. We may not pay much attention to our actions. The book of Revelation has opened our eyes to the truth, and these warnings and promises are available to everyone. We are given an opportunity to examine our own lives in anticipation for the promises yet to come.
Take some time today to look inside your heart. What is motivating you? What are you doing to seek God and his will for your life? Are you feeling weak and discouraged or have you called on the strength of Christ’s power to help you conquer?
Let’s pray. Lord, I am feeling weak today and call upon your strength to hold me up. Move me in the direction you want me to go. Guide my conversations and interactions. May you be glorified in all I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
