Yikes.
Brian McLaren discusses a "Second Coming Jesus" that he believes many people have created in direct opposition to the Jesus of love and grace that we are given in the Gospels. Many people interpret Revelation to describe a second coming of Christ that is characterized by violence, killing, domination, and eternal torture. McLaren questions why Jesus's life would be considered just a warm-up act for the real deal -- do we believe that Second Coming Jesus will achieve with violence what First Coming Jesus failed to do?
At the Well last night, Julie Schaaf led a discussion about with our tendencies toward violence, and Jesus's strong rebuke against it. We reviewed the story of Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane, when he cut off the ear of a slave to the Roman soldiers who were taking Jesus into custody. Not only did Jesus scold Peter, but he healed the slave. How do we reconcile a story like this with Second Coming Jesus?
I think that we find it very difficult to let go of our old retributionist ways and fully embrace Jesus's way of peace and reconciliation. Even though we have read of Jesus's triumph over his executioners, even though we have witnessed seemingly insurmountable situations in which non-violence led to great achievements (i.e., Ghandi, Martin Luther King), it is still easier to believe that only violence really works. After all, Jesus can't really expect nations beat their swords into plowshares, can he? If someone strikes me on the cheek and I don't defend myself by striking back, aren't I just weak?
Or, maybe Jesus does expect us to do just that. He certainly expected it of Peter. In Jesus's kingdom, love and grace defeats violence and domination. Do we have enough faith to try it?
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Do you think that a violent God as arguably found in Revelation appeals to us somehow? Do we like to think about God coming back in fury and avenging (our/their) wrongs?
I do think that the possiblity of an apocalypse allows us to accept things such as poverty, oppression, and pollution that we would otherwise vow to eliminate.
As for the book of Revelation, remember:
Thomas Jefferson omitted it entirely from the Bible he edited, and wrote that he "considered it as merely the ravings of a maniac, no more worthy nor capable of explanation than the incoherences of our own nightly dreams." Martin Luther found it "an offensive piece of work" and "John Calvin had grave doubts about its value."
(quotes are from wikipedia, btw)
Another case of Brian McLaren to use the "false advertising" gimmick to do away with a thoroughly biblical doctrine. If you throw out the wrath of God in Revelation, you have to throw out the whole Old Testament because Revelation is simply a continuation of The Day of the Lord and Daniel's 70 weeks.
Jesus came the first time as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He is coming again as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Those who are in Christ look forward to His appearing. Those who are not will see the one they have pierced and call upon the rocks to hide them from His fury against a sinful world that has rejected Him as the Creator, Lord, Redeemer and King.
Those of us who aren't willing to rewrite Scripture to fit our predetermined philosophical / theological bias do not delight in the wrath of God falling upon sinners, because that is what we once were and still are, but we are washed in the blood of the Lamb and stand in Christ's righteousness rather than our own. We weep and grieve for the lost and try to reach them with the gospel which proclaims a returning risen savior who is willing and desires to save all who recognize their sinfulness before a holy God and confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord.
It couldn't be more sobering. Nor could it be more clear. If anyone takes away from the Revelation of Christ, his name will not be found in the book of life. The day of reckoning is coming and we and the Lord plead with everyone to be prepared for that day when He returns in power and glory.
Dave James
Or, maybe its what he said ;)
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