Driving home from another soccer massacre, the radio DJ was talking with callers about Friday the 13th. I had forgotten (a) that it was Friday and (b) that it was the 13th. Not that I am superstitious, but I feel the Bible clearly describes spiritual battles.
"Take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." Ephesians 6:13 NAS
I started thinking about how 2008 in my life was marked by deep, obvious spiritual warfare. From demonic nightmares to painful idolatry, from injuries and diseases to broken relationships. This year, however, has been relatively calm.
At first, this insight freaked me out. I've grown up with the idea that spiritual warfare is a demonic reaction to Christ-followers pleasing God. Why doesn't the darkness care about what I'm doing? Am I not doing anything that pisses off evil? Have I become complacent?
But maybe there's a different reason.
"He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in paths of righteousness
For His name's sake." Psalm 23:2-3
Part of the constant challenge of obeying the Shepherd, the King, is following wherever He leads. I feel as though I've been pulled off the front lines for a moment, sent home to heal battle wounds. Why has it taken so long to appreciate this furlough?
I know there will be many more battles for my heart, but I already know the Victor. He died for me so I would never fear death. He lives so I may live life fully. He is always with me so I will never be alone. He shelters me so I can always be secure. He loves me.
Happy Valentines Day, too.
Friday, February 13, 2009
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Ephesians 5
Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving. For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them, for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth – and find out what pleases the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. But all things being exposed by the light are made evident. For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says:
“Awake, O sleeper!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you!”
Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife as also Christ is the head of the church – he himself being the savior of the body. But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to sanctify her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the word, so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one has ever hated his own body but he feeds it and takes care of it, just as Christ also does the church, for we are members of his body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is great – but I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each one of you must also love his own wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
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