07/20/2022
It is a common misconception that we need to fight God’s battles for Him. Christian’s who think that they must aggressively defend God, or Jesus Christ, from the world are mistaken. As humans we carry a lot of defensive anger around in us, and it will bubble to the surface when we, or our families, are threatened in any way. If you aren’t inclined to believe this then try disparaging someone’s parents, correcting their child, or doing just about anything that makes them feel their loved ones are facing harm in some way. We allow this anger to bleed over into our faith too, and will turn neighbors into enemies over our desire to defend God, and even our liturgy. We will lash out at others who don’t believe as we do, and will even go to war over these differences. We act as though God needs for us to fight His battles, when all He really wants us to do is to show others who He is by standing firm in our spiritual lives, revealing the nature of His Son Jesus to the world, and then by trusting in Him as He wages spiritual war.
“And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.”
2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV
Our Father will defend us when we are under attack, but it isn’t our effort that will win the day, but rather, it is His. It is God’s will that moves through, and around, us that wins the day. Too often we go out against others thinking we are meant to fight them, but in reality it isn’t our enemies who are being taught the lesson, but us. Battles are waged, not to simply destroy our enemies, but to teach us that our God is Lord over all, and we are merely His children.
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.””
2 Chronicles 20:17 ESV
God’s intention isn’t to save us alone, but to save our enemies as well. He means to save the world, and how can this happen if we are busy fighting with its other inhabitants? After all, weren’t we one of those we now consider enemies before we came to know Jesus Christ, and which one of those that crucified Him did Jesus damn? Not a one! He forgave them all. This is the perfect love of God that should flow from us.
““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:43-44, 48 ESV
So today, before we lash out, or go to war against those around us, or those we consider lost, let’s think on this, and ask ourselves what it is about this moment, and these people, that makes us feel like God is unable to defend Himself, or us, against them. Then, when the true reality of God’s desire to bring them to salvation dawns on us, let’s put on the full armor of God, and not go to war, but withstand the evil onslaught that faces us, as we stand firm in our faith, and God does battle for their souls.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
Ephesians 6:12-13 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for winning the battles that have saved our souls, and thank you for the armor you have provided us that protects us against the evil which is in the world. We praise your name Lord, not only for our redemption, but for your wanting to save every soul. Even now, when we are threatened by the world, we praise you for wanting to save those we call our enemies, or consider to be lost. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sent your Son Jesus to redeem, and forgive us. You are our Father, whose Son Jesus Christ, as He fulfilled your will, asked that we be forgiven. Though He hung brutalized, and dying on the cross, your love, and grace flowed from Him. In this moment, that much of mankind is prone to call tragic, you won the war against sin, and taught us that your strong right arm can defeat the sin in every enemy. In that instant your glory was demonstrated to its fullest. Merciful, and full of grace, are you our God, Father, and He who we call Abba, for you are the creator of all things, and are our defender, provider, and our all in all. Perfect us Father by washing us in the blood of Jesus, and covering our sin with His perfect sacrifice, so that in the hour of our judgement you will not see our imperfections, but Him instead. Seat us at your table Father, and nourish us body and soul for all eternity.
“no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”
Isaiah 54:17 ESV
Rich Forbes