Wednesday, January 21, 2015

To War? (Grace Note #13)


Both of my children are actively involved in one of the popular video games that is out today. This game involves battling against a terrible enemy that is out to destroy you and the world. Because of that, a key part of the game is your armor and your weapons. Time and virtual money are spent on enhancing yourself for optimum battle strength and ability.

As a Portland-born, peace-loving, pacifist, watching my children play this game is quite a challenge for me. Not only do I not enjoy it, but it causes me stress and anxiety. I got to thinking, “What does the Bible say about this?” I was surprised at what came to mind: “...there was war in heaven.... The great dragon was hurled down.... Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring.... (Revelation 12:7, 9, 17)

And: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against … the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil....” (Ephesians 6:12) In the next verses, we are told to “put on the full armor of God” and then, specifically, what each piece of armor is and what it does.

Included with this armor is our one offensive weapon—“the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (v. 17) Hebrews 4:12 says this “word of God” is “sharper than any double-edged sword” and that it “penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit.”

A very sharp weapon can be a dangerous thing if used improperly. I like the fact that my NIV Study Bible in speaking about Ephesians 6:12 cautions “against lashing out at human opponents as though they were the real enemy.” We have all seen this happen and know that it ain't pretty when a Christian gets confused about who the real enemy is!

Based on the texts I've cited, it looks like, whether we want to admit it or not, whether we choose to participate or not, as Christians we are in a prolonged war with a wicked enemy. This thought can be discouraging—especially for those of us who don't want to fight. But, don't lose hope. There is good news. As one Christian gospel song suggests, I've read the ending of the Good Book, and . . . we win!

I don't have time or space here, but many of the Bible texts and accompanying stories under the term “battle” in my Bible's Concordance are also certainly worth looking at: 1 Samuel 17:47 (from David's speech against Goliath (45-47), 2 Chronicles 20:15, Psalms 24: 7, 8, and Ecclesiastes 9:11.

The story of good vs. evil and its accompanying battles are everywhere in our world's mythology and culture. I don't think that is a coincidence. This unseen reality is written into our DNA. Until the final battle, we soldier on, crying out with David:
Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.
He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge (Psalms 144:1, 2)

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