11/03/2024
This morning we look at the spiritual battleground before us and wonder about our place on it. There should be no doubt but that there is a battle raging for our souls... and we are active combatants in it. But, are we prepared to march onto the field and proclaim the mystery of the gospel?
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”
2 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV
No successful army or soldier walks into battle untrained and ill prepared; as Christians we are no different. We should be arming ourselves and preparing our armor for the conflict before us. 2 Timothy tells us to be singular in our purpose... to concentrate on our preparations.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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 6:11-13 ESV
One of the first things an army does in war is to sever the opposing generals' ability to communicate with his soldiers. In recent wars we have heard this stressed over and over again during the earliest stages of the war when the news reports our military's attempts to destroy the command and control capabilities of the enemy. Satan is no different; if he can thwart your prayers and keep you from hearing God's Word, then he has made you vulnerable and separated you from your help.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 ESV
Prayer is key to our spiritual conflict against evil. David had no radios, but he did use horns and in 2 Samuel he calls God the horn of his salvation, and he goes on to describe how he called upon the Lord and was saved.
“And David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”
2 Samuel 22:1-4 ESV
So, let there be no doubt that even on the calmest of days in our lives there is a battle that is raging just over the hill... and it is for our souls. While this battle is yet far away, we should be preparing for its arrival at our doorstep. We should be strengthening our faith through prayer, and tending to our armor, which is the Word of God.
Have you ever walked into a business meeting or family get together to find that what you perceived to be a quiet gathering was everything but? Did you come to realize that just beyond the hill a battle had been forming and lines were being drawn? Were you prepared, or caught totally off guard, and without the advantage of your armor?
If we pray and study God's Word each day, then no matter the surprise... we will be prepared to face it as God would have us do battle. No sudden outburst of angry hatred, no lashing out with words and actions that exacerbate the situation, we will be armed with the Word of God and the example of Christ. Our prayers will continue to strengthen us and God will come to our aid.
I like to begin each day with a concentrated time of prayer and study. When I leave my prayer chair I am ready for the day and any surprises it might contain. Then, I strap my prayer sword to my side, and venture into the world... prepared to be a good Christian soldier and ready to defend my soul from the attacks of evil. I encourage all Christians to prepare themselves in this way.
Rich Forbes
Prayer:
Thank you Father for being our strong tower, and defense against temptation and evil, but thank you too for preparing us to stand our ground with you against the spiritual enemies that look to undo us. Lord, strengthen our resolve in you and enlighten us to your Word through your Holy Spirit. Father hear our prayers always; even above the din of the raging battle. Let your righteous right hand forever defend us and drive the enemy from before us. Father, Abba, never let us stray from your voice or lose sight of your will for us. Give us victory Lord in every battle against the evil that lays its snares for us or confronts us directly. In you we claim victory long before the battle comes to our door, and we give you praise and glory when the armies have left the field. In you our soul is safe, and our faith strong. In you our prayers are heard, and then, as if from a horn on a distant hill, we hear you coming, and the voice of Jesus calling. , We raise up a cheer, and heed your call as you rally us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who prepares us to stand strong against the forces of darkness. Holy are you who shines your light upon us, and holds our arms up in spiritual battle. Hear our prayers Lord, and see us on our knees before you with arms raised up in anticipation of your command, and the sound of your horn. We praise you Father before the battle is joined, and we celebrate in victory with your Son Jesus Christ before the first arrow flies, or blow is struck. Such is our faith, trust, and belief in your strength, and that you will be with us, before us, and behind us, protecting our flanks in every battle. With you the battle is already won because none can stand against you. In this truth we are made courageous, we hold our lines in the face of great odds, and we pray for our enemies that they might surrender themselves to you before they are truly lost…body and soul.
Great is our Lord and God… Amen!
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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.”
Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Matthew 5:44-45 ESV
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 ESV
Rich Forbes