I’m not talking about our nation’s presence in
Afghanistan or Syria. Nor am I talking about all the terrorist
activities we’ve been seeing around the world and in our own backyard.
This war is waged in the realm of the unseen and . . . the un-dead.
Here's what I mean.
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." - Matthew 12:30
Are you with Jesus?
Did you know that you and I are living in enemy territory? It's true. We are living behind enemy lines. In the following text, Paul tells Christians of his days that they used to be held by the enemy - the ruler of the kingdom of the air. That's Satan. He's the general of the opposing army.
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved." - Ephesians 2:1-5
We were born behind enemy lines, living in sin. Our soul belonged to Satan so to speak because it didn't belong to God. But God is a far better general than Satan. He sent His Holy Spirit to rescue us and wake us up from our "slumber". Now, as we fight our way through enemy territory, when we "cross over" to God's side, our eyes are opened and we can see the battle field for what it is.
What used to be so comfortable for us now gives us chills. We look at people we don't know with caution. Remember, whoever is not with God is against Him. And that is our challenge as soldiers in Christ's army. God wants us to interact with the enemy soldiers of this world and share the good news with them.
God's side is the winning side in the end. And Jesus is the one we follow. And for those who think that Jesus is just a wimpy, peaceful God who wants you and needs you, read this:
"11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True (That's Jesus). With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
king of kings and lord of lords.
We ARE at war. Whose side are YOU on? You and I have been given a mission. To go back, behind enemy lines and tell Satan's prisoners of war about our King - Jesus. We must tread cautiously because "the world" hates us, but in we must go. We have been commanded to do so . To rescue those whose desire is to harm us.
"15 If you love me, keep my commands." - John 14:15
"19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" - Matthew 28:19
You and I were once prisoners of war. God set us free. He saved us and then He trained us. We are now His. He equipped us with His weapons - a double-edged sword, which is the Word of God, and He gave us love, which is our battle plan. Let our love be the proof, the proof of YOUR love, Lord.
The Proof Of Your Love - For King and Country
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