The wolf, running in the new day’s mist, harvesting the land, taking of the fallen lamb. The words to Metallica’s song, “Of Wolf and Man” promote a philosophy of humanity that has been around as long as people have inhabited the earth.
As Lamech boasts in Genesis, chapter four, “I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.” (4:23-24)
I’ve been watching a Netflix documentary on several Roman emperors. And it is clear just how brutal and bloody these men were. Women too! No one can be trusted. Everyone is out for themselves. Of wolf and man.
“Back to a better day. Back to the meaning of life. So seek the wolf in thyself.”
I love the guitar riff in this song, but the lyrics are as anti-Christ and anti-gospel as any I have ever heard. Sadly, they reflect the state of our world today. Whether it’s the war in Ukraine or the political and cultural battles in the United States, we live in a world steeped in sin, in rebellion against God and others.
“All have turned away, they have together become worthless . . . their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips . . . their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (From Romans 3)
So, how do we respond to this philosophy of the wolf?
“When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.” (I Corinthians 4:12-13)
There is strength in weakness, power in meekness. As I saw inscribed on a t-shirt the other day, “Kindness is strength.”
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18)
Here’s the music video if you’re interested. Watch it and remember that as Christians, we are promoting something completely different - Of Lamb and Man.
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.” (Revelation 5:12)
In Christ,
Dan
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