JESUS FACTOR: BEHOLD! THE SWINGING DOUBLE EDGE SWORD



JESUS FACTOR: BEHOLD! THE SWINGING DOUBLE EDGE SWORD

 

Religion’s been considered both a liberator from the ball and chain of hopeless despair and the opiate that ties the masses to the ball and chain of dogmatic helpless slavery. Between both there seems to be a double-edged sword sharpened by circumstance, interpretation and choices that can be personal or collective. Where one can be based on strong conviction, the other might be based on a conformity stemming from manipulation, force or the basic human need to belong.

Sharp and deeply penetrating with dual potential and authority, a sword can deliver profound healing or absolute judgement. As an intuitive tool it can reveal one’s true thoughts, motives, hidden secrets and falsehoods. As a formidable defensive or offensive weapon, it can hold the fate of humanity accountable.

Spiritually, the double-edged sword is a profound biblical metaphor that encapsulates a dynamic and transformative power that challenges individuals to reflect on one’s relationship with Scripture to embrace its role in guiding and shaping our lives (Visit 1), to accept we are fully equipped for the conflicts of our age and able to triumph when standing for righteousness, defending the vulnerable, and announcing the ultimate victory that comes when faith and action are combined. (Visit 2). Socially, the concept illustrates its dual potential to foster either social progress, understanding and cooperation or to incite discrimination, conflict and oppression. (Visit 3). Individually, it calls one to learn its many purposes and train.  But this is where the waters of clarity get muddied by denominational opinions, preferences and objectives striving to attract and accommodate the comfort zones of the masses (e.g. the current focus on entertainment and individual prosperity preaching).

In the military there are no opinions or preferences. When called upon to represent, protect or conquer; there is only one objective: VICTORY over a perceived or declared threatening enemy. To that end, its members are provided with a script to follow, tools to master, and models assigned to teach. Humanity is presently under attack and in need of defense. Through different forms of negligence and genocidal exploits it’s facing mass extinction.  But to fast forward all that, the Bible is a script with tools and models under one uncompromising General; Jesus! A warrior wielding an unwavering two-edged sword forged in an eternal fire and sharpened to attribute creation’s call of goodness, holiness, justice, and love for all as neighbors.  Yet, out of consequential fears or need for self-preservation there’s a tendency to reshape Jesus into a less “threatening” figure, favoring a nonjudgmental being who will affirm and forgive all our actions and non-actions. Perhaps, especially with all that’s presently happening, one should consider how one’s freedom to choose comes with both responsibility and accountability. But remember! While Jesus said what you did not for them, thy neighbor, you did not for me (visit 4), his sword had nothing to do with religion or a call for bloodshed!

Under the banner of varied religions (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity), with varied prophets professing varied God names with varied attributes and objectives; the sword has and continues to spill much innocent blood. Likewise, the dividing lines between countries, racial, cultural, socioeconomic and political factions have also raised individuals wielding blood thirsty swords professing to be humanities best solution.  Yet so many seem to have a problem with one sword wielding warrior who told his followers to put away their swords; who exemplified no greater thing than to lay one’s life for the other by rendering his own; who proclaimed his was “The Way” to “The Truth” leading humanity to “The Life” free from the varied forms of death we are currently facing. The Jesus sword was a dialog that many said, “He Spoke With Authority.” Chew on that and go figure why he said, “You Can Too” before absolving yourself from God’s call to arms. By Joe Yrizarry

 


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