I have been struck of late with the intensity of the conflict that is going on in our world right now. The scope has become larger and the intensity has become deeper and much more pronounced. There have always been things that divided us. Different opinions or beliefs or ideas, that we just learned to live with. We could actually have a conversation about our differences and then just ”agree to disagree.” But now so many finer points have become major areas of conflict that are dividing neighbors, friends and even families, and much more fellow workers and the guy down the street. It is not a matter, however, of red and blue or black and white, but it goes far deeper to a much more insidious source.
We must understand that we human beings are not the focal point of this war, but rather the battlefield on which it is being fought. I truly believe that this is a conflict between light and darkness, right and wrong, good and evil, righteousness and sin.
On a narrow scale, I do not want to diminish or cheapen the political, cultural or racial concerns that people may have. However, what we're facing today is not on a narrow scale, but a spiritual battle that involves kingdoms. It involves, what the scripture refers to in Ephesians 6:12 as “the rulers, the authorities, the cosmic powers over this present darkness, the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” As you can see, this is not a localized battle against physical opponents, but a large scale assault on God's kingdom of light by the kingdom of darkness. It is not Republican or Democrat, it is not left or right, it is not conservative or liberal, it is not one race against another. It is a conflict in which darkness is attempting to overcome The Light to win the favor, and ultimately, the eternal souls of mankind. Until we recognize it for what it is, we will never be adequately prepared for the fight.
Later in Ephesians 6, Paul tells us how to prepare.
“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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
The churches position in all of this is to hold high the name of our Lord and faithfully proclaim the Gospel. We know the ultimate outcome of this fevered war. But, in the meantime, during the heat of the spiritual battle, many feel fear or frustration or anger or desperation. But let me encourage you! There is no need to let these emotions overwhelm you, for the Lord, He is God. All that is going on will eventually serve His will only, for His purpose will be brought to pass. If ever we needed to trust Him, and find hope in that trust, it is now.
John 14:1-3
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”