Today’s reading: Jeremiah 15:10-21
God calls us to be His holy warriors. And we are engaged in violent spiritual warfare. We have a formidable enemy, and we will surely be bruised and bloodied. Apart from our God, we would be beaten. But the God who calls us is the God who protects and empowers us. And He has already won the victory. We share in that victory. Here is God’s assurance: “And I will make you toward this people a fortified wall of bronze. Though they fight against you, they shall not prevail, for I am with you, to save and rescue you--oracle of the Lord. I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked, and ransom you from the power of the violent.” (v.20-21).
So God’s protection and power are with us, and we are victorious. But this does not just happen automatically. We need to be holy warriors. We must avoid sin. Otherwise, God Himself will use our enemies to punish us. “Your wealth and your treasures I give as plunder, demanding no payment, because of all your sins, throughout all your territory.” (v.13).
What characterizes holy warriors?
They are steeped in the word of God. “When I found your words, I devoured them; your words were my joy, the happiness of my heart” (v.16a). Thus they are well formed in God’s ways.
They have a great sense of sin and are weighed down by God’s judgment. They are unlike others who just eat, drink and be merry, or spend their time in fellowship sipping piña coladas at the Country Club. “I did not sit celebrating in the circle of merrymakers; under the weight of your hand I sat alone” (v.17).
They have experienced metanoia and thus can stand before the holy presence of God. “If you come back and I take you back, in my presence you shall stand” (v.19a). Standing before God, they are commissioned into His army, are equipped and are sent forth.
They constantly speak of God and His ways, of the good news of salvation in Jesus. They do not engage in gossip, slander or senseless conversation. Thus God is able to send them forth to evangelize and do mission. “If you utter what is precious and not what is worthless, you shall be my mouth.” (v.19b).
They do not align themselves with the world’s wisdom and ways, but are set apart. They speak with boldness about the Kingdom. They are not politically correct. “Then they will be the ones to turn to you, not you who turn to them.” (v.19c).
The spiritual war rages. Go forth, holy warriors of God.
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