Is it not written that a day is coming when the LORD shall stir up His zeal like a man of war? For surely there is coming a time, and such a time will soon be upon us, when the world will know the temperature of His blade. For is it not written, “He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, till He has established justice in the earth” (Isaiah‬ ‭42:3-4‬)? For surely this speaks of a day when the LORD - for is that not His name (Isaiah 42:8)? - shall declare and wage war on every thought and every way that exalts itself above the knowledge of God? Which will be a day when the sword that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD shall cut down every seen and unseen thing that has been afraid of the cost of standing up for love and the truth. For is it not written that no coward shall enter the kingdom of God (Revelation 21:8; Galatians 5; 1 Corinthians 6)? For what else but a coward is the one who, when the time comes, does not stand up for the truth or for love? For is it not written, ““Present your case,” says the LORD. “Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob.” (Isaiah‬ ‭41:21‬)? Shall these not all taste the temperature of His blade? For is it not written, “And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God, the Almighty” (Revelation 19:15)? For does it not say, “And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.” (Revelation 19:21)?

     When it comes to standing up for love and the truth, does it not say that those who are unbelieving and vile will be subject to the second death? Is it not written, “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Revelation 22:15)? For are all these things not entirely contrary to love? And as such, are they therefore not also contrary to the thoughts and the ways of the LORD? And when it comes to everything that is contrary to the truth of a holy and pure love, does the Word of God not teach that, “The LORD shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies.” (Isaiah‬ ‭42:13‬). Does this not speak of the day of which it is written, “Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the LORD is coming, For it is at hand: A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains.” (Joel 2:1-2)? For all who have ears to hear, is this then not a call to repentance? “”Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”” (‭‭Joel‬ ‭2:12‬). Is it not written, “So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster“ (Joel 2:13)? For why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ (‭Joel‬ ‭2:17‬).

     “And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God, the Almighty. “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.” And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.” (Revelation 19:15-21).

     “Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the LORD is coming, For it is at hand: A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them, Even for many successive generations. A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, And behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them. Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like swift steeds, so they run. With a noise like chariots Over mountaintops they leap, Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble, Like a strong people set in battle array. Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks. They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down. They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief. The earth quakes before them, The heavens tremble; The sun and moon grow dark, And the stars diminish their brightness. The LORD gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; Who can endure it? “Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him— A grain offering and a drink offering For the LORD your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room. Let the priests, who minister to the LORD, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, “Spare Your people, O LORD, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ”” (‭Joel‬ ‭2:1-17‬)