by Ramone Romero.

I did not die so that you could defeat,
steal from, kill and destroy your enemies.
I died so that you would love them
as I loved you while you were My enemies.

What do you want, My children?

Do you want Me and My kingdom
or do you want Barabbas
and what he fought and killed for?
You cannot have both.

Woe! Woe! Woe!
My people are choosing Barabbas,
following him, and teaching his ways!
They reject Me for another ‘Jesus’!

Turn, My people!
Turn from your ways and be saved!
For the path you are choosing
leads only to death!

I give life through the Cross
—not through the sword!
If you live by the sword,
you will die by the sword.

*****

Ramone Romero is an artist based in Osaka, Japan. 

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Pentecostals & Charismatics for Peace & Justice is a multicultural, gender inclusive, and ecumenical organization that promotes peace, justice, and reconciliation work among Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians around the world. If you like what we do, please become a member!

(art: “The Release of Barabbas” and “Follow the Lamb”, by Ramone Romero)