“Go and change the world,” said Jesus,
Didn’t He?
“So we must we will,” said Peter,
Pitiably
Twelve to One hundred and fifty to make things new -
sea change wrought by chosen few.
The task looms huge before them.
- an empire ruled by might and war.
- an empire fraught with sin and more.
“Clearly to succeed, we must meet might with might!”
“Clearly, to proceed, we must enforce the right!”
With sword - for sword rules in this awful age,
With men empow’red with righteous rage.
Stealing softly on the wind,
A different voice comes pressing in.
Echoes ring in Peter’s ear.
A truth once heard advances near.
If my kingdom were of this world,
then would my servants fight. (John 18:36)
All they that take the sword
shall perish with the sword. (Mt. 26:52)
“How then, Lord, must your cause prevail?”
“How then stand, as foes assail?”
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,
saith the Lord of hosts. (Zech. 4:6)
All other strength
Lies.
©1994 Bob Mason
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree with with what you say--it is just hard to square it with the God of the Old Testament who commanded the Israelites to take up the sword...
ReplyDeleteValid point. In the Old Testament, His people were a political as well as a spiritual entity. I think that made a difference in how they functioned in this world. There is no such thing in the New Testament. The temporal rulers are acknowledged as wielding the sword, but not the people of the Kingdom of God.
ReplyDelete