I had an interesting conversation yesterday. It provoked this comment.
When Julius ended the Republic by crossing the Rubicon with the 13th Legion from Gaul, he established a dictatorship that would change into the Empire thereafter. The Republic was dead. The Empire lived on.
Julius’ great nephew is regarded as the first fully recognized Emperor of the Roman Empire. He ruled until his death in 14 AD as dictator for life.
Rome dominated the world, subduing other peoples who were considered inferior to Romans. They believed it was Rome’s right to rule the world. Roman control was benefiting others. This was the Pax Romana, or peace of Rome. It came at the point of a spear. Such is the peace offered by the leaders of this world.
Among the lands under Roman control was the Judean province in which Jesus Christ was born. The place of His birth was directly affected by Augustus’ taxing. (Luke 2: 1-6.) He was a Jewish subject to the vassal king of the Herodian family. His life was lived between two Roman controlled provinces.
Jesus was asked if it was lawful to give tribute to Rome. He responded by asking for a coin, noting Caesar’s image on it, and remarking “give unto Caesar the things that are Casear’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matt. 22: 17-22.)
Jesus never challenged Roman authority. He submitted to it. When the time comes for the establishment of Zion, it will not be necessary for us to deviate from Christ’s example. Those who are in the promised latter-day Zion will be protected by the “the terror of the Lord.” The residents will be those who “will not take up arms against their neighbor.” (D&C 45: 66-71.) There is no need to overthrow the world. It will overthrow itself. The Lord will not permit the wicked to destroy the righteous. (1 Ne. 22: 16.) It is the wicked who destroy the wicked. (Mormon 4: 5.)
We live in a world today in which Pax Americana has established controlled violence the world over. The fear of destruction holds forces at bay which would gladly destroy one another if permitted. The key to replacing the current world order with another one, as many insurgencies the world over recognize, is the destruction of Pax Americana by destroying American hegemony. A lot of people are working on that, both inside and outside the United States.
Latter-day Zion will not need to take up the sword to defend themselves. The Lord will be their shield and protection. Since the wicked are responsible for killing the wicked, you join them when you decide to take up arms. You also exclude yourself from those who are to come to Zion – for that group will be composed only of those who refuse to take up arms against their neighbor. (D&C 45: 68, above.)
Read again how Zion was protected in the days of Enoch. (Moses 7: 13-17.) It wasn’t an army or arms which protected them. It was the Lord who dwelt among them.
Our challenge as a people is to live so the Lord can dwell among us. He will “take up His abode” with us as the Second Comforter, if we are prepared to receive Him. This is why I have written what I have written. Zion will be a byproduct of a prepared people. It never has been and never will be the result of a violent, armed, and politically motivated insurrection by people who want to isolate themselves from the world. Such people will only be a part of those who take up arms, and acting as part of the wicked, join in the destruction of the wicked, including themselves.
This does not mean that some righteous will not be required to die. The Lord’s ability to protect us will require His hand move in “justice and mercy” to fulfill His promises. Those who die will die unto the Lord. Those who live will live unto the Lord. But the battle is the Lord’s.