God so Loved the World that He Gave His Son: The greatest Spiritual battle ever fought – part forty
If you have been reading my blog posts recently, you may have noticed that there hasn’t been much of what you might call a “political” nature. This has not been on purpose on my part; it’s just that the Holy Spirit hasn’t sent me in that direction. As a matter of fact, I tend to see the political climate as being closely tied to my spiritual life. Allow me to explain.
To start with, I strongly believe that the Great Commission, as it is called, is the number one purpose for each and every Christian! It is our responsibility and privilege to spread the Gospel message to those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!
Mark 16:15 (NIV)
15 He (Jesus) said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
However… the Lord is also directing us to take care of the sheep (people) who already know Him!
John 21:15-17 (NIV)
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
All three times Jesus responded with some variation of the command to feed, but also to take care of His sheep, His people! We must teach God’s Word to the people, taking care of them spiritually. Likewise, we also need to take care of their physical needs as well! Folks, that’s where politics fits into the command to take care of My sheep. The word politics probably gives the wrong impression of what I’m trying to convey here. Let’s call it “Submitting to the Government.”
Romans 13:1-5 (NIV)
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
I’m seeing our country, and the entire world for that matter, just flat out going crazy! Yes, we are Christians and we know that spiritually we are okay, however, we do live in this crazy world. Many of us are looking for some help in navigating through the irrational/outrageous physical battles going on! Just as we need food and water and other physical requirements in our lives, we also must have help in navigating the craziness that we are faced with each and every day!
Please allow me to pose a question here: could it be that this country, and the world, has gone berserk because the “Church” has sat idly by and allowed it to happen? We have been concentrating on the Great Commission because it is the number one priority, while ignoring the physical world that we must live in till the Lord’s return! As I have discussed in earlier posts, we are engaged in a battle of Good against Evil. This battle is certainly in the spiritual realm, but also in the physical realm! The Lord has commanded us to occupy in this world till He comes back for us, His Bride! Occupy… not set idly by! The verb to OCCUPY… to take and keep control!
The Holy Spirit assures me in my spirit that we are just getting started in this post. There is much more to come! Stay tuned!
Matt. 25: 24-30 talks to the idea of taking care of earthly things. (money/talents) The one who wanted nothing to do with the earthly gift given was called by the master, a wicked, lazy servant! We have a responsibility to use and take care of the earthly gifts given us by God.