Our nation is the most powerful nation on earth. Yet we are still completely vulnerable to attack, and we need protection. But our nation is not of the earth, nor do we have a worldly ruler. Our ruler is Jesus.
Christians are citizens of God’s kingdom
All of us who are believers in Jesus have him as our king and Lord, and we offer our allegiance to him. Jesus did battle for us on the cross and has gained the greatest victory through his death (Colossians 2:14-15). Our nation is not of the world, and so we do not fight against the enemies of the world, nor do we fight in the world’s way (John 18:36). Rather, we focus on God as our strength, God as our warrior, God as our justice-maker. We rely on God alone to make, empower and protect our nation. He alone is our Lord.
Citizens of God’s kingdom are called upon to fight
Although we have God to fight for us, yet in obedience to God we realize that we too are called to fight. We have powerful enemies that stand against us. They are hidden from our eyes, and they live among us, and we are to attack them with no mercy. But our enemies are not humans—we followers of Jesus do not attack anyone of flesh and blood. Rather, we attack the spiritual forces that stand behind the humans in rebellion against God (Ephesians 6:10-13). Nor do we use weapons that the world uses. We do not bother with such useless weapons as guns or bombs. Rather, we attack spiritual forces with spiritual weapons—the authority of the Lord Jesus, the word of God, prayer, healing, casting out of demons, and the speaking of truth in love (II Corinthians 10:3-5; Matthew 10:7-8). The secret weapon that completely decimates the enemy is that of suffering oppression for the sake of Jesus and then crying out to God for justice (Luke18:1-8; I Peter 2:21-24).
We have devoted soldiers
Even as the world has professional soldiers, those who are set aside to fight for their political goals, so our country has those who are designated as warriors against our spiritual enemies who are attacking us. However, these warriors do not wear cammies, nor helmets. Rather they are boldly open about their warfare, and they are attacked viciously by their enemies. They do not look like soldiers of this world, nor do they act like them. They suffer much at the hands of humans, yet offer them the forgiveness of God through Jesus. In response to the evil they receive, they do good. And they rely on God for their protection, power and deliverance from their enemies.
Who are these soldiers?
The persecuted
These are followers of Jesus who are attacked by people. Some have been rejected by people, and some have been openly rebuked. Still others have had their churches burned, been arrested and sentenced to prison. And some have died for the sake of the kingdom of God. Many speak of the martyrs of long ago, but there have been more martyrs in the last hundred years then there has been in all the history of God’s church.
The evangelists
These are the ones who speak the word of Jesus with boldness amidst those who do not know or trust the Lord. These warriors call people to Jesus in the midst of an unbelieving generation and suffer much because of their faithfulness to the ungrateful.
The prophets
These are the ones who speak repentance to a generation that thinks they hear God, but they do not know God’s voice. These prophets listen to God’s word—both in writing and in spirit—and then clearly discern among the people who they live with what is true and what is not. They are often attacked by the religious and well-meaning.
Spiritual warriors
These are the ones who see the spirit world clearly and can perceive the spiritual reality behind the world we live in. Instead of seeing people who use drugs or are in constant anger, they see them as people who are oppressed by spirits who lead them to use drugs or violence or sex to do evil in the world. These warriors then attack the real problem—the spiritual oppressors—and get rid of them in the name of Jesus. But often they too are attacked by spiritual forces and are sometimes crippled by the attacks.
They are fighting for us
These soldiers are not just fighting for themselves, but they are fighting for all of God’s people (Colossians 1:24). They attack the evil ones and suffer and are rejected so that we might have greater salvation in Jesus. God sees their suffering, and offers peace to the church because of their sacrifice. The spiritual forces that are attacked by these warriors are neutralized for all the church. The truths that are proclaimed by these soldiers of the spirit are proclaimed for all the church.
We need to support our soldiers
Because of their effort for us, it is our responsibility to support these soldiers. If we help these who have suffered for us, then Jesus says that we will be helping him and we will gain great rewards from him (Matthew 10:40-42; 25:31-39). To gain the reward from Jesus (which is as yet another benefit we receive from these warriors), we need to show honor to those who represent Jesus.
We should honor them (I Thessalonians 5:12-13)
The warriors who fight for us should be given respect and treated with honor as they come among us. This doesn’t mean that they should be bowed to or anything, but they should be listened to and spoken to with the respect their actions deserve.
We should pray for them (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Although we all need God’s help, we need to especially pray for those who are suffering for the sake of Jesus. They need God in their lives, delivering them in ways that we might not. We should be lifting them up before the Lord, seeking His deliverance for them every time we pray.
We should provide for their needs (Matthew 25:37-40)
As any of these warriors need assistance, and we are able to help them, we should do so, especially as they are suffering for the gospel. Jesus specifically mentions that we should be giving them food, drink, clothing, shelter, and assistance as they are sick or arrested for the gospel.
We should be hospitable to them (Matthew 10:40-42)
Jesus tells us that these suffering disciples should be welcomed openly by those disciples who have homes. They should be given assistance, and a place to speak their message, if it is necessary.
Give respect and assistance to those who suffer for Jesus, and you will be given salvation.
No comments:
Post a Comment