Revelation 19:11-16 is a fierce picture of Jesus. The Lamb who was slain will then be known as the King of Psalm 2. The meek Savior will rule with a rod of iron. The suffering servant will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

This will happen. Now what does it mean for me? If this is my King, the One in whom by grace I take refuge, how do I factor now into this future reality? Here are a few observations:

1. I must be sure not to confuse the figure of Revelations 19:11-16 to be anyone other than Jesus. It is not me and it is not my example.
2. The conquerors who belong to Jesus are victors by giving up their lives for the sake of others, not by taking the lives of others.
3. The judgment that he administers on that last day is a judgment that we all deserve and that we would all experience if not for the sovereign grace to God to call and save sinners.
4. This judgment is not capricious, but is the display of God’s righteousness–the unswerving commitment to uphold the glory of His name.
5. I should be jealous for God’s glory, too. But my jealously for God’s glory is not executing judgment, but in giving up my own life out of love for others to display Christ’s worth.

By the way, doesn’t this thwart the intention is Islamic jihadism? How can one make war against those who are bowing their heads in love for the very ones who want to make war against them?