Friday, March 25, 2016

Jesus the Warrior

There is incredible story tucked in the book of Daniel.

Daniel had been praying for answers to his vision, one of a great war.  Three weeks after he prayed this prayer an angel appeared before him.  His appearance was so overwhelming that Daniel fell into a deep sleep with his face on the ground.   The angel had to lift him up so that he was able to hear the incredible message:

“Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.  But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days.  Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me.”   (Daniel 10:12- 13)

Many people believe that Michael is a mythic word for Jesus.   His name appears again in Revelation.

“Then war broke out in heaven.  Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.  But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.  The great dragon was hurled down.”  Revelation 12:7-9.

How does that match your picture of Jesus on Earth?

Its easy to imagine Him wearing sandals and a long white garment.  Smiling at children.  Kind eyes and powerful presence.  The perfect blend of humility and confidence.

But these verses paint a different aspect of Jesus.  Imagine Him leading an army of angels –one of which nearly frightened a very Godly man to death- but now an army of them!   Imagine Him wielding a leading an army to battle, his face shining like the sun, holding a sharp sword.  

A glimpse into this aspect of Jesus gives me a new appreciation for His sacrifice.

Consider the world from the Lord of the Rings movies.  Aragorn was a warrior.   If needed, he would have given his life in battle to save Frodo and Sam.

But, would he have dropped his sword?  Would he have willingly walked into Mordor, defenseless?

How much strength must it take for a fierce and powerful warrior to not use their strength?  To allow the weaker enemy to prevail, even for a moment.

Jesus said in John 10:17-18.   “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.  I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. “

On this Good Friday, consider what we know of Jesus.  He bears so much outer strength that no warrior on heaven and earth can defeat him.  Yet inner strength enough to conceal His glory to win a different kind of battle on earth.

Today we honor his sacrifice.  But the tomb is empty.  Jesus the Savior lives.  Jesus the Warrior lives.

And if we let him, He will fight for our freedom.  Our hearts.  

I can think of no better hero then this.