When Romans returned from conquests, the fittest, most beautiful and talented people from the conquered lands—along with exotic treasures, plants, and animals—were paraded into the city ahead of the conquering general.
The captured leaders were crucified as a celebration spectacle. The most talented were enslaved to teach Roman children or otherwise required to produce their specialty for their captures for life.
Sometimes the processional alone would last for many days. Trumpeters and other musicians led the caravan; dancers in flowing colorful garb weaved among the captives. The Roman generals’ faces were painted crimson to make them look like the statues of their god of war. They were adorned with purple or crimson robes, and rode in chariots trimmed with ivory & gold. A slave stood behind the general holding a golden victor’s crown above his head repeating, “Memento Mori,” or “Remember (Bear in mind) you will die.” (Oft translated, “Remember thou art mortal”) to remind the general he was not a god, only a man.
The apostle Paul uses this imagery in his writings. He suggests that our conquering general (Jesus) will lead his conquerers in the parade of final victory. His enemies destroyed, all of heaven will celebrate him. He will lead us, his captives, not to torture and slaughter, but with bonds of love that protect us from harm he will safely bring us to our new home forever.
In this life we are both mortal and immortal. We must fight in the Spirit and suffer the weakness of our flesh. Yet “we are more than conquerors!” We surrender to our general, and we become citizens. We can be victorious both now and forever! Our battle tactics in this life seem illogical. The Romans mocked, tortured, jeered, and enslaved. Our General has rejected those tactics. Do you have what it takes to be "more than a conqueror" for Jesus?
Here is the know-how we must wield skillfully to conquer: we must refuse to take what doesn't belong to us, nor seek to humiliate anyone. We must consider others as better than ourselves. We paint our faces with the beauty of the God of Peace, Faithfulness, and Kindness, and brandish gentleness—even when threatened, mocked, or insulted.
We remove shackles of guilt/sadness/anxiety to free the enslaved to become the awesome persons they were created to be. We can smile and laugh better than anyone. Ours is the mightiest of all warfare. And we have ‘secret’ weapons to deploy, provided by our leader.
An unseen enemy always seeks to steal our arsenal, as well as our special weapon, “Joy." Polluted thoughts, war, hate, and evil scenes are all around but we can capture every wayward thought and subdue it. Ever heard of this in any war?
Then we attack with cheer, and effortlessly overcome heaviness. We are adorned with the robes of a servant and humbly minister to even our enemy’s needs.
No conqueror in any army on earth ever used these tactics and weapons. In fact, they sound ridiculous to most. But those who live the life of God's warrior will forever share the treasures of conquest with our General.
That’s why we smile and give thanks whenever we are reminded, “Memento Mori.”
©️ Copyright 2020, rewritten 2021 Gary Landerfelt MyPericope.com
Comments