Redemptive Vengeance

When rulers from Jerusalem ordered messengers to check out this strange fellow who lived on honey, slept in the wilderness, and urged the people to repent, they didn't get what they were expecting. It was common in the days of ancient kings for servants to prepare the way for their lord's carriage by clearing the path of  downed trees and large boulders or fill in holes to ensure the king  a safe and secure passage. Likewise, John the Baptist was to prepare the way for Jesus Christ by preparing minds to receive the Trustworthy One. It was his Divine mission to share with the world that the True Healer who would save them from themselves, was indeed among them.

Unlike the people who stood in awe of Christ who spoke in a simple language they could understand, the messengers from Jerusalem were disgusted. They came looking for a Messiah who would conquer and divide, instead, they met a man dressed plainly as the people surrounding Him. He bore no prestigious family crest, nor did He command the crowd before him with forceful presence. Surely, this couldn't be the one they had set their hearts on! When John exclaimed, "Behold, the  Lamb of God!", they knew that the mission of Jesus was not in harmony with how they interpreted the scriptures. This carpenter from Nazareth didn't even have a place to put his head, he was useless to them - or so they thought.  They wondered how could a Lamb set up powerful rule? How could a Lamb crush their enemies? How could a Lamb instill security and order?

What is your picture of God? When you read about the life of Christ, do you like a Ruler who will take vengeance on your enemy by befriending him?