Jesus Christ - A Warrior?

(Rev. 19:11-13)

Introduction:

* John saw heaven opened (Rev. 4:1; Ezek. 1:1)

* Our image of Jesus is rarely that of a warrior.

* Christ's designations:

1. Reason why He came

* To save man (Jn. 3:17). There is no other way (Heb. 10:26).

* He will come to judge and to destroy the ungodly! (II Cor. 5:10; I Thess. 1:7-9)

* See Rev. 16. - Meggido (II Kings 23:29).

* Final Judgment will be fair in that it will:

- consider one’s level of personal knowledge (Lk. 12:47-4)

- be consistent with one’s abilities (Lk. 19:13)

- occur in light of one’s opportunities (Mt. 11:20)

- be aware of the law to which one was responsible (Heb. 10:28-29)

2. Warrior's description

* Eyes as flame of fire (Rev. 19:12; 1:14 &2:18).

* Crown of royalty (19:12)

* Holding a name only He knew (19:12)

* Robe dipped with blood (Rev. 19:13). Most likely, the blood of those who would ignore His will.

* On that great and final day, God will destroy those who have resisted His will (Lk. 18:7-8; Rom. 12:19; Rev. 6:9-11).

*Those willing to take up the Master's cause will share in His victory! (Rev. 12:10-12 & 7:14).

3. The enemy defeated

* Weapon is a sword (v. 15, also Heb. 4:12).

* Scripture testifies to power of spoken word (Ps. 33:6&9; Heb. 1:3).

* At the time of Judgment, Jesus will speak the enemy to banishment (II Thess. 2:8; Isa. 11:4).

* Jesus will rule enemies w/rod of iron (v. 15).

* God's wrath is a reasonable response to man's wickedness and rebellion.

May we never forget this aspect of Christ's nature and live our lives for Him.

R.W. McAlister 1/25/09 p.m.