January 27, 2002

THREE SPHERES OF CONFLICT

Ephesians 6:11-17

 

   Three spheres of conflict might be suggested in Paul's three-fold statement to "stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:11), to "stand in the evil day," and "having done all, to stand" (6:13). For all these we are to "be strong in the Lord and the power of his might..." armed with the "whole armor of God."

   Israel 's history pictures these areas of conflict. In Egypt , they were to "Fear...not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye...hold your peace" (Ex. 14:13-14). The analogy for us is the cross, where, like Israel in Egypt , we had no part in the battle except to stand and enjoy the victory when He "spoiled principalities and powers and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it [the cross]" (Col. 2:15). Israel 's redemption from Egypt parallels our redemption at Calvary , where we behold with awe!

   Their next sphere of battle was the wilderness where instead of 11 days they spent forty years. True, they expressed doubt and unbelief when confronted with the conflicting testimony of the spies. Yet God had compassion and "led them not through the way of the Philistines, ...for God said, 'Lest peradventure the People repent when the see war, and...return to Egypt (Ex. 13:17). Their wilderness battles required participation for the first time. God gave victories over Amalek, Og, king of Bashan , and Sihon, king of Heshbon. Yet with all these victories Israel still murmured against God and chided against Moses. In our wilderness journey we have conflict with the flesh and against "principalities and powers...the world-rulers of this darkness."

   The final sphere for Israel was crossing Jordan to claim their inheritance in the conquest of Canaan . Moses told Joshua 3 times to "be strong and of good courage" (Dt. 31:6,7,23). After Moses' death God Himself told Joshua the same thing 3 more times, and he passed it on to Israel's army (Josh. 1:6,7,9,18). The analogy for us will be upon our entering the heavenly sphere itself and displacing the enemies who hold a lingering presence there. And if the days are evil here and now, what will it be to participate in the displacement of the usurper?

 

Ivan L. Burgener