I just spent four minutes of my life on Youtube watching a "Rocky Tribute" video. The soundtrack behind the video is a song by Survivor called "Eye of The Tiger." It is the type of song that would be played in a team's locker room to motivate them before a big game. After listening to the song, I am ready to do battle! (What that battle is, I am not sure yet)
Maybe your "toxic masculinity" alarm just went off. Maybe you are a little concerned for me. I will have to admit, it startles me a little to want to so easily fight in some way. I should pay attention to that.
But, maybe the desire to fight that we have is not merely something to be concerned about. Maybe the concern is how we might use it. Is our desire to be fierce used to inflict pain on others and get our way, or is the desire used to be fierce on behalf of others...for their good?
The bible never describes Jesus as "fierce," but it describes him as confidently confronting those who were. (see Matthew 8:28 and following) There is a fierceness about Jesus that is unlike ours.
Ours often manifests as "flipping our lid" when we don't get our way in a manner that wounds others. Ours often manifests as harsh words spoken about another in a way they could never respond. (Think about every "Twitter fight")
Jesus' fierceness is not destructive, but redemptive. He has the weightiness of presence (not to mention his power to do what he wants) that could overwhelm and destroy. But his fierceness creates...even if he has to turn over some tables to create something good in our lives.
Best of all, Jesus doesn't need to get "pumped up" before he shows his loving strength. His kind of love overflows in to creative fierceness that every person needs...even if we don't want it.
Would you consider one question with me: how do you respond to the idea that Jesus is "fierce"? is it true? Is that good? Is that safe?
May our Lord and Savior show you the fullness of his character to you and hold you near to him in the fierceness of his heart.