Central Truth

We do not live in heaven on earth. Satan was given dominion over this earth, and how glad I am that Christ came not to make peace with it, or with its ruler, but came with sword in hand ready to do battle.

Reflections

I was brought up in a family that attended church regularly. As a young child I was taught about Christ, who came to this earth as a baby, the meek and mild Savior, with the angels singing about peace on earth, good will to man. I was taught in Sunday School about Christ, the Shepherd, who goes out and finds the one lost sheep and brings him back, caring for His flock all the while. All of my early years I was taught and given images of Christ as the Healer, the Teacher, the Provider, a God in a simple white robe welcoming little children into His arms and looking up toward heaven with a halo over His head. But every now and then I would see an artist's rendering of Christ yielding a sword, larger than life, a very commanding presence, a warrior. I did not understand how those two pictures could be the same God.

When I was young all I could see was that image of Christ the gentle. But as I have aged, with more and more of life's experiences traversed, I understand and appreciate this verse much more. As I have grown in my Christian walk, I realize more about my own powerlessness and how much I need a God who fights all things evil. Who else can fight cancer, and defeat it in a loved one's body? Who else can pluck the lost up out of prison and gang life and give the undeserved gift of a second chance? Who else could have snatched me up out of Satan's very firm grasp at the age of 34 and given me a life worth living? And who else but my God with sword in hand can fight off, day after day, all of Satan's evil intentions?

Only Christ, the Conqueror.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you come to realize that there is joy in powerlessness: when we are weak He is strong? Can you think of victories in your life made possible only through Christ's strength?

2. What results have relying on yourself and doing things in your own strength produced in your life?

3. Do you understand that you were created to be powerless, that your powerlessness is your loving God's purposeful intention? Why do you think God did that?

4. In what areas of your life do you still need to admit your powerlessness? And isn't that the definition of surrender?