A Domesticated Jesus
A Domesticated Jesus
Major Thomas McWilliams
Area Commander
Atlanta Metro Command, Georgia
“Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him” (1 John 2:4-5).
Table Mountain, located in Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the most beautiful geographic locations in the world. It is especially breathtaking when the top of the mountain is covered with a thin fog layer affectionately called the “Tablecloth.” Although the city surrounds it, the mountain is a National Park and home to a diverse wildlife population that includes rock hyrax, eagles, hawks, porcupines, and troops of baboons.
Danger
Due to the stunning beauty of Table Mountain, Table Bay, and Cape Point, 2.8 million tourists descended on the city in 2022. One of the favorite activities for visitors is renting a car and driving along the winding national park road that ascends Table Mountain. Along the route are designated areas to photograph wildlife and view the vistas. The car path is marked with signs in various languages stating, “Do Not Feed the Baboons; They are Dangerous.”
These recurring warning signs should be enough to let people know not to get close to the animals but to enjoy them from a distance. Yet, each year, many tourists share the same fate. They see the pretty baboons and decide it would be a good idea to hold out a banana or other foodstuff through their cracked car window. I assume that the expectation is that the monkey will kindly take the food, thank the tourist, and then, while using a napkin, show proper manners while eating it. However, the baboon does not understand the correct etiquette for receiving the food gift. Instead, it viciously bites the offering and often severs the fingers or hands of the person holding it out. As much as people wish it, these animals are not domesticated.
Pale Jesus
I am struck with a similarity between people being rushed to the emergency room in Cape Town and a growing Christian heresy in the Western world that paints Jesus as being
domesticated. As Christian denominations implode and divide based on identity, sexual preferences, and other doctrinal issues, an argument that is repeatedly used is that Jesus is “Love.” This, of course, is a true statement; nothing could be more loving than a holy God who sacrifices Himself to a death penalty based on the crimes that you and I are guilty of committing.
However, love between God and people is a relational two-way street. Jesus has already shown His love for us in a way that we cannot fully grasp because of its immensity and intensity. “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Therefore, the conversation of our relationship with the divine shifts to how we show our love toward Him.
Lion of Judah
Demonstrating our love for Jesus is not to treat Him like a domesticated animal that will come when we call, wag His tail when we give Him periodic attention or be ready and willing to bend His will to ours. We show our love toward Him when we subject our will and desires to Him by adhering to the signs that He has provided for us along our life route: "If you love Me, keep My commands” (John 14:15). “Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him” (1 John 2:4-5).
Jesus is not a domesticated being existing to validate our wants and desires. He is a ferocious lion, the sole origin and goal of everything in creation. Woe to those who use His name and nature of love to justify rebellion against Him and His laws. In “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” C.S. Lewis encapsulated the person of Jesus well in the Aslan character when he wrote, “Susan asked, ‘Is He quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a Lion.’ ‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver, ‘Who said anything about safe? Course He isn’t safe. But He’s good. He’s the King.’” If we genuinely love Jesus, we will follow His commands. Period. End of story.
Our Corporate Prayer
Dear Lord, help us not to treat You as anything less than holy and supremely powerful in our lives. We acknowledge You as Lord, worthy of our praise and absolute obedience. Help us not to trifle in our relationship with You by trying to bend You to our selfish wants and desires. Instead, conform us to the image of Christ, bending us to Your will so that we may please You in every way. We offer our prayer in the name of our Sovereign Savior, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our Worldwide Prayer Meeting
The Netherlands, Czech Republic
& Slovakia Territory
Thinking It Through
In what ways can we approach God and treat Him as less than holy and as less than our sovereign Lord? Is it in the content of our prayers? In the way we speak about Him or hide our relationship with Him from others?
Notable Quotables
Anything that belittles or obliterates the holiness of God by a false view of the love of God, is untrue to the revelation of God given by Jesus Christ. - Oswald Chambers
A song of consecration in response to God's love and holiness is "Take My Life and Let It Be."
We would appreciate any feedback and/or suggestions on how to improve these devotionals. Please email comments to: SpiritualLifeDevelopment@uss.salvationarmy.org or by going to our website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/spiritual-life-development.
We would love to hear from you.
Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee
Territorial Spiritual Life Development Officer/THQ Chaplain
USA Southern Territory