Friday 1 February 2013

Did Jesus rule with an iron rod?

Core text:

The woman gave birth to a son, who would rule all nations with an iron rod. The boy was snatched away. He was taken to God and placed on his throne. (Revelation 12:5 CEV)

What does the “iron rod” mean? Where do “all the nations” come in? Why was the boy snatched away? Where did he go?

In our previous post we came to the conclusion that “the son” in this piece of text (pericope) is Jesus the Messiah. Now we continue with the glimpse of history that the author is trying to portray in a mythological way.

Jesus was set to rule the nations by God. But this was not in a political way as the people of the time wanted. The people of the time of Jesus wanted a ruler that would have freed them from the mighty Roman Empire. No, Jesus was set to be a spiritual leader and the one to pay for sins so that all of mankind could be free from sin and to fulfill the Biblical prophecy from the Old Testament.

The “iron rod” was not an instrument to torment or hurt anyone, most definitely not to force anyone into following Jesus. An “iron rod” was an instrument that was used by shepherds to protect the flocks, usually of sheep, against predators. An example of a predator would be a wolf.

“All the nations” refers to Jesus that came for the sins of everyone and not only the Jews. Normal, non-Jewish people can also now be children of the Lord.

The “snatched away” and “placed on his thronerefers to Jesus that was resurrected form death. In other words it is referring to Jesus on the cross and how He was raised from death and went to heaven thereafter!

The verse thus tells the story of Jesus on Earth in a mythological way!

Share your experiences of the symbols with us!

Till next time!





1 comment:

  1. depends how context of 'iron rod' being used. in Psalm its is referred to smash into pieces clay pots.

    Christian nations follow the teachings in Matthew 10:34Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword /
    Thats why they invade and colonize in the past by sword, and now in modern days they bombs other nations to make sure no peace is achieved. This is a preparation by them because Christianity believe that their version of Jesus will return and later turn earth into Hell after taking away all the Christians to "heaven". "Peace" type of world is then created and Hellish type of rulings will be made thru iron rod. Any attempt to oppose the instruction/words of Jesus will be dealt instantly during such ruling by the Christians. "Peace" is attained due to such type of iron rod ruling.

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