This week’s devotions are based on this week’s message: Key #2: Be Ready for the Battle! (WATCH HERE)
First, devotion reader, I apologize for missing the devotion post yesterday…and it was even Ascension Day! But perhaps that provides a good lead in for a final thought on this week’s key: Be ready for battle!
The role of a commanding officer is to rally the troops, be clear on the mission, and provide the ability to win the battle.
As Jesus was finishing his time on this earth, he wanted to make sure the work he had done would impact the world around.
His army? The eleven remaining disciples and about 130 other followers…not a very large group. He knew the task would be hard and the resistance strong, but he knew the salvation of souls was at stake.
So, before he ascended into heaven, he spoke these words recorded in Matthew 28:
Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
On numerous occasions, Jesus has warned the disciples that being his follower and proclaimer of his grace would not be easy. Conflict would come and opposition to the gospel would arise. So, not much has changed today.
There is opposition to Christ. There are the forces of evil that desire the demise of Christianity and the destruction of souls. Although they may not come out directly and say this, their actions are clear to take out the viability and validity of the Christian faith and disparage it at every opportunity.
So how do you and I stand up against the opposition of Satan which seeks to devour all that is connected to and stands for Christ?
Remember the words of our commanding officer before he went back into heaven.
First, remember the power you have behind you. Jesus said, “ALL authority on heaven and on earth has been given to me.” The Apostle Paul put it this way, “22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1:22-23) So, while Jesus is in heaven, his power is still at work in his church to carry out the mission he has given to us. Governments may seek to curtail the Gospel and individuals may dismiss it or shout it down, but the power is not in them, but in Jesus who sends his church to proclaim the Gospel.
The mission is clear. For followers of Jesus Christ our mission is clear: Make more disciples. The means is given to us: Baptizing and Teaching. We don’t have to wonder what to do or how to do it. Jesus makes it clear. Utilize the gift of baptism to bring people into the kingdom of God and then teach them to hold on to every teaching the Lord has given to us. As these both take place, followers of Jesus are created and nurtured.
The presence of Jesus is real. We are not alone in the battles we face. Whether those battles are the ones that rage within our souls or the ones which we fight collectively as the Church to bring the Gospel to the world.
We have the power. We have the mission. We have the promise.
So don’t just be ready for the battle…Fight the battle! Soldier as a good soldier!
Apply: As you think about the battles you face, what aspect of Jesus’ final words encourage you the most? His power, his mission, or his promise?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for carrying out the mission you had to do all that was necessary for our salvation. Lead us to boldly fight the good fight of faith and hold onto and proclaim boldly the truth of grace to the world! AMEN.