Isaiah 42:13, “The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior He will stir up His zeal; with a shout He will raise the battle cry and will triumph over His enemies.”
It is very clear in the Bible that God is a warrior. Revelation 19:12-16 says, “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. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”[a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.”
He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood – His eyes are like blazing fire – Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword – Wow! He is one tough man of war. It isn’t really the picture of Jesus as depicted in the New Testament, is it? There is a real contradiction and at times it can confuse us, as Christians, as to how we are supposed to be.
Matthew 5:39, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” That doesn’t sound like eyes blazing…
Matthew 5:41, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” That’s not really someone whose robe is dipped in blood, huh?
Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Hmmm…it does not depict David in the Old Testament holding the head of Goliath, now does it?
There are times in our lives when God will call us into battle. Yes, He will. There are also times in our lives when God will judge and fight the battle for us. Yes, He will. The key is knowing when to fight and when to wait.
Ephesians 6:10-20, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
When we arm ourselves in the Word of God, we are ready for any battle that comes our way. We become His mighty warrior at the appropriate time and place. Sometimes the fight is about loving our enemy; and sometimes the fight is about running toward the battlefield and defending our own. Sometimes we have to battle for what is right and what is God’s; it all depends on His orders – our Commander.
Are you ready to hear God’s call to battle? Would you know it if He called? Pray today and ask God to help you be the warrior He needs for you to be – at the right time and right place.
