We read in Jeremiah 20:11, “But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.”  In our gender confused society, talk of men as warriors is suspect. Yet God is often referred to as a warrior.   The Psalmist declares,  “With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down out enemies” (Ps 60:12).   Men, God is a warrior who will fight for us.

The following quote from Dorothy Sayers  is a reminder of Jesus being a  mighty warrior, The Lion of Judah. “The people who hanged Christ never, to do them justice, accused Him of being a bore – on the contrary; they thought Him too dynamic to be safe.  It has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround Him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certified Him ‘meek and mild,’ and recommended Him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies”

In a day when political correctness causes men to be measured in their responses to the “hot button” issues  generated by third wave feminists, who have no regard for a strong masculine response, it is good to reminded of Jesus not only being the Lion of Judah, but  also the lamb of God.  In this description we see Jesus as both strong and tender.  In Revelation 5:1-6 we have the reassuring vision of Jesus having authority to open a scroll symbolizing his lordship in history.  We read, “Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.  He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals (5).”

Then John sees a Lamb, who had been slain, taking, “the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne (7).”  Those around the throne sang, “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe an language and people and nation.  You made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth (10).”  As John looked, he saw a great multitude, singing in a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise (Rev 5:12).

Remember it is Jesus who will fight the battle for us.  From the Message we read, “Stay alert.  This is hazardous work I’m assigning you.  You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves.”  (Matt 10:16).  In such a divided society as our, we need to  practice a subversive spirituality, knowing we are on the winning side.

Remember when the people of Israel were trapped at the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army coming after them.  Moses reassured them, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Ex. 14:13).  God  is a mighty warrior who will fight for us.