“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” – Matthew 24:6 (NIV)
In this verse, Jesus warns His disciples about the inevitable turmoil and chaos that will come upon the world. Wars, conflicts, and upheaval are an unavoidable part of the human experience.
Temptation to Fear
When confronted with such distressing news and events, our natural response is often one of fear and anxiety.
We may feel overwhelmed by the chaos, uncertain of what the future holds, and tempted to give in to panic or despair.
Call to Trust
Yet, Jesus offers a profound and comforting message: “See to it that you are not alarmed.”
He urges us not to be consumed by fear, but to trust in the sovereignty and control of God, even in the midst of turmoil.
Source of Peace
By anchoring our hearts in the knowledge that God is still in charge, we can find a deep and abiding peace that transcends our circumstances.
We can choose to focus not on the temporary upheavals of this world, but on the eternal promises of our Heavenly Father.
As we navigate times of chaos and uncertainty, cling to the truth that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
In Him, we can find the courage to face whatever comes our way, and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:47-48 (NIV)
In these verses, Jesus introduces a principle that emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability.
Weight of Understanding
Knowledge and understanding come with a certain level of responsibility.
Those who have been given insight into the will and character of God are held to a higher standard of obedience and faithfulness.
Consequence of Neglect
Jesus warns that those who have a clear understanding of what is expected of them, yet fail to act accordingly, will face greater consequences.
Neglecting the responsibilities that come with knowledge is a serious matter, one that will be met with “many blows.”
Call to Stewardship
However, this principle is not meant to be a source of fear or condemnation. Rather, it is a call to embrace our role as stewards of the knowledge and resources entrusted to us by God.
We are called to use our understanding wisely, to faithfully carry out the tasks set before us, and to honor the trust placed in us.
As you reflect on this principle, do not shrink back from the responsibilities placed upon you. Instead, embrace them with humility, diligence, and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities you have been given.
“For this is what the high and exalted One says—He who lives forever, whose Name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”” – Isaiah 57:15 (NIV)
In this verse, we are introduced to a God who is both high and exalted, yet also intimately present with those who are humble and lowly in spirit.
Exalted One
God is described as the “high and exalted One” who “lives forever” and whose “Name is holy.”
These words paint a picture of a God who is supreme, sovereign, and transcendent. He is far above and beyond our understanding, dwelling in a “high and holy place.”
Intimate Presence
Yet, despite His majestic nature, God chooses to live and abide with those who are “contrite and lowly in spirit.”
He does not remain distant or aloof but instead comes near to the humble and brokenhearted, reviving their spirits and hearts.
Reviving Power
This is a profound truth: the God of the universe, the Creator of all things, stoops down to dwell with those who acknowledge their own limitations and brokenness.
He does not demand perfection or self-sufficiency but instead offers His reviving presence to those who recognize their need for Him.
As we gaze upon the majesty of God, we are invited to approach Him with humility and reverence; we also take comfort in knowing that He is not a distant deity but a loving Father who desires to revive our spirits and heal our hearts.
“Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” (Acts 4:24)
As we read this verse, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring power of our God. He created absolutely everything – from the vast expanses of outer space, to the deepest oceans, to the tiniest microorganisms.
His creative abilities know no bounds. When we ponder the intricacies of His creation, it can only fill us with wonder.
Our Sovereign Lord holds ultimate authority over all He has made. He governs the universe and sustains all of life by His divine power. We can take great comfort in knowing that such an all-powerful Being cares deeply for us.
Even when chaotic storms arise in our lives, we need not fear, for our Lord reigns over every detail.
Unshakable Kingdom
What confidence and hope this truth instills in us as children of God! Though worldly kingdoms and rulers will crumble in due time, our Sovereign Lord’s kingdom shall never be shaken.
While others scramble after temporary power and riches, we can live at peace knowing our eternal destiny rests securely in His hands.
No agenda conceived in the halls of governments can overturn His purposes. No military force can overwhelm His angelic armies.
There is no philosophical argument can undermine the truth of His Word. Our Lord sits enthroned in the heavens; His rule and reign shall continue unhindered forever.
Our Eternal Security
We must continually renew our perspective and align our thoughts with this transcendent reality. When we face hardships, let us remember the one who spoke light into existence can certainly illuminate our darkness.
When we feel weak, let us draw strength from He who flung stars into space and still sustains them. Our security rests in Him alone.
As adopted heirs to His kingdom, we need not strive for status, provision or stability – these are gifts granted by His grace.
Our calling is simply to align our hearts with His – to love Him, trust Him, worship Him. He shall supply all our needs, now and for eternity.
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)
Weapons of the World
The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians, who were living in a city that was influenced by many worldly philosophies, cultures, and values. He was defending his ministry and authority against some false apostles who were boasting about their credentials, appearance, and eloquence. He also wanted to correct some of the problems and divisions that were affecting the church.
The weapons of the world are the methods and strategies that people use to gain power, influence, and success in this world. They include things like human wisdom, rhetoric, appearance, wealth, status, violence, and deception.
They are often based on pride, selfishness, and greed. They are designed to exalt oneself and to oppress others.
Why Are the Weapons of the World Ineffective?
The weapons of the world are ineffective because they are not able to deal with the real enemy and the real battle that we face as Christians.
Our enemy is not flesh and blood, but the spiritual forces of evil that are behind the systems and structures of this world. Our battle is not against people, but against the lies, temptations, and accusations that the enemy uses to keep us from knowing and obeying God.
The weapons of the world are also ineffective because they are not able to withstand the judgment and wrath of God. These are temporary, fragile, and futile.
All will perish and be destroyed when God comes to establish his kingdom and his righteousness.
What Are the Weapons of Our Warfare?
The weapons of our warfare are the methods and strategies that God has given us to fight the good fight of faith; including things like the Word of God, prayer, faith, love, grace, truth, and the Holy Spirit. They are often based on humility, service, and sacrifice. They are designed to glorify God and to bless others.
The weapons of our warfare are effective because they have divine power to demolish strongholds. A stronghold is a fortified place that the enemy has built in our minds and hearts to keep us from experiencing the freedom and victory that God has for us.
It can be a false belief, a sinful habit, a negative emotion, or a harmful relationship. The weapons of our warfare can expose, confront, and overcome these strongholds by the power of God.
How Do We Use the Weapons of Our Warfare?
Christians use the weapons of our warfare by relying on God and his resources, not on ourselves and our abilities. We need to recognize that we are not sufficient in ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. We need to acknowledge that we are not wise, strong, or righteous in ourselves, but we have the wisdom, strength, and righteousness of God in Christ.
Use the weapons of our warfare by resisting the enemy and his schemes, not by conforming to the world and its standards. We need to be alert, sober, and vigilant, knowing that the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Christians put on the full armor of God, which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-18
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. They are the weapons that God has given us to fight the good fight of faith.
Use them with confidence and courage, knowing that God is with us and for us, and that he will give us the victory.
