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 6:12
Our real war is not against flesh and blood people like us. Our real war is spiritual in nature. Yes, certainly there are enemies to contend with and battles to be fought. But they aren’t really against that neighbor down the street, or even that guy who belongs to the “other” party. Our real war must be waged against “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” using our true weapons of Gospel proclamation and persistence in prayer (Eph 6:14-18)
That can be a hard thing to keep in mind when there’s a culture war raging, as we see today. The stakes feel so high! We fear our nation is being take from us! We’re tempted to put our hope in the next election, or a sudden favorable change in government policy. But while all these things may be desirable, none of them gets to the real issue. The real issue facing us is not the “wrong party” in power. The real issue facing us is that sin reigns over every human heart – not just the hearts of my opponents, but also my own heart as well.
But that’s why Jesus came! Paul says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost!” That’s both good news and bad. It’s bad news because it means that sin has ruined everything and everyone. Nothing in this world is what it should be. Everything has been effected by sin. And we are powerless to do anything about it. But it’s good news since, if sin is the problem, there is a solution. His name is Jesus! And the Gospel He gave has power to save every sinner who trusts in Him! Keep that in mind. The world IS broken. Bad things happen here, including bad decision from Washington. But Jesus is Lord. And our faith was built for times like these (and far, far worse!)
So dear one, be confident in Him!
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!
And with hope-filled prayer, rest your all cares on Him,
Pastor Scott