Swords, Spears, Guns and Lasers
I was reading through my social media streams from this year remembering the battle of Gethsemane.
You remember…
…when Jesus kissed Judas on the cheek…
…as a signal to Peter.
Then Peter unsheathed his sword and, with one powerful swing, beheaded the servant where he stood.
Remember how for a moment everyone was shocked, then, before the Roman guards could react, Jesus, like a samurai, pulled out a hidden blade strapped to his back and, with visually stunning precision, spun in a death circle as he cut his way through his enemies.
Remember how his disciples, who were thought to be sleeping but were actually hiding in wait, sprung their trap by jumping from the brush with swords, spears, guns, and lasers.
Remember their justified biblical Amalekite model; how their approach to this battle was supported by 1 Samuel 15:3 where they did “not spare them; putting to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.”
Remember how they were joined by a host of raging superhero death angels shouting “Glory in the highest,” and “On earth, as it is in heaven!” while they committed acts of retributive justice that would make Quinton Tarantino blush.
Remember how after the fighting, while priests and guards lay dead, Jesus’ bloodlust was satiated in the final act of hanging Judas from a tree so everyone would know what happens to those who betray Jesus? Remember the sign Jesus hung from Judas’ dangling foot, “You tell em I’m coming, and hell’s coming with me!”
It was a holy massacre, the fundamental foundation for the gospel message of “peace on earth and goodwill toward men…”
Yeah, I was reading through my social media streams from this year remembering the gloriously battle of Gethsemane fought by Jesus and his followers in defense of his kingdom; remembering the foundational story of our faith, where Christians viciously destroyed anyone who wouldn’t believe as they believed…
…You’ve likely seen this movie, and while it makes for an entertaining and even satisfying film, it’s a horrific gospel. No good news in this narrative, just living and dying by a sword; just revenge porn presented as justice…
But what if…
Jason Clark is a writer, speaker and lead communicator at A Family Story ministries. His mission is to encourage sons and daughters to grow sure in the love of an always-good heavenly Father. He and his wife, Karen, live in North Carolina with their three children.
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Great article Jason!
The other day, I heard the Lord say, “The spirit of the crusades is alive and active.”
End justifies the means religion and end justifies the means politics. Horrible stuff!
Father, save us again, that our identity would be as sons and daughters of love, not just as sons and daughters of thunder so we accurately represent You to others.
Happy new year bro.
This year has exposed the separation theology in the church like no other season in my short life. It’s scary and horrible stuff AND I am excited because I see so many waking to the simple transformative gospel of Jesus, God is Love.
Yes and amen to the saving grace of our Father!
Happy New Year, Pete, love from the Clarks!
Wow was that a prophetic piece! The western church and it’s prophets took their swords to the capital yesterday. No wonder Jesus hasn’t returned, we are still a bunch of goats. It’s the church that isn’t ready not the world.
Thank you and your ministry for helping me to open my eyes to the Father’s love. I’m finally starting to lay down my sword.
Wow is right!
Farther forgive us, we know not what spirit we are of!
Praying grace, the Father’s heart, and mind, over my brothers and sisters on both sides of an aisle that doesn’t exist in heaven.
Thank you for the encouragement and also, I just dove into the year-end, thank you for your generosity – we are blessed!
Grace and wonder over you guys, I look forward to getting back up your way soon.
Go Bills 🙂