The Scourge Of Racism
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Released October 5, 2023
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On this Memorial Day I remember with the rest of our grateful nation those from all branches of the military that have died in wars from its inception. War is not a pleasant matter to consider or view even from a distance as is afforded in modern times through television. Nevertheless, God Almighty sanctioned the inclusion of men in His ongoing war with rebel angels as formally stated in Eden after our forefather and head of the human race, Adam, fell to Satan through sin (Genesis 3:1-8, 14-15). In the same breath our God announced a Champion from among us that would single handedly prevail against Satan and the entire fallen angelic realm!
The Lord Jesus Christ--Seed of the virgin, Mary--won the war as foretold by His life, ministry, death on the cross, burial, resurrection from the dead and ascension to Heaven (Luke 1:26-33, 4:14-21, 31-41; Hebrews 2:9-18, 7:25-8:2, 9:24-28). Whether aware of it or not, like it or not, those that become Christians through the Gospel about Him to this day are enlisted into the ongoing war of the ages. For though Christ has won the war, the mop up operations include bringing willing humanity to salvation and leading us to journey through this fallen world waging “the good warfare” in His victory safely to Heaven (Colossians 1:3-8, 2:11-15; 1 Timothy 1:18-20, NKJV).
Walking in the victory of Jesus Christ means that we must closely follow His example and pattern of conduct in the face of satanic warfare against Him. Even from His youth the Lord had the priority of His life settled--He would be about His “Father’s business,” (Luke 2:41-50, NKJV). As He ministered, He remained mindful that the Father’s ultimate business for Him was suffering leading to death (Luke 9:18-22). He did not sugar coat or deceive anyone then nor does He do so now; the cost to be His disciple is the same self-denying priority focus on pleasing God and doing His will to the death He had--the life of the Strong Man of God (Luke 9:23-26, 14:25-35; 2 Timothy 2:3-4)!
The Lord prepared for His final battle of suffering and death with Satan as His Father’s business for Him in three major ways: He put His affairs in order, remained resolute through prayer, and finally, submitted completely to all that the Father had allowed for Him to experience. While our Lord had no property or bills (Luke 9:58), He had made provision for His mother as required of the first born Son and spoke it from the cross (John 19:25-27). The soldiers had already taken His clothes as foretold (John 19:23-24). Following His example, every adult Christian should be living to die and simply; having all of our affairs in order as it depends on us (1 Timothy 6:7-12).
Seeing the tragedy that can unfold when there is death without a will, Christians should have at least a basic one to give direction about the distribution of property and other assets to surviving family members. Providing for our spouses and any dependents to the death is our responsibility before God as aspiring strong men of God in the image of Christ (1 Timothy 5:3-16). This does not just require having life insurance or retirement income if available, but leaving as little debt as possible. Written funeral and burial plans paid in advance will be helpful too. Jesus knew when He was going to die and put His affairs in order; not knowing, we all the more should.
As our Lord embraced His coming suffering and death, we must do the same. For while He fully participated in activities beyond ministry such as weddings, dinners with friends and foes along with funerals (though He interrupted one in progress by raising the deceased to life), He was resolute in His commitment to die in His Father’s cause to save fallen mankind (Luke 13:22, 22:7-16). As the time drew very close, His resoluteness to suffer and die was fully tested on the Mount of Olives. But He prevailed over the natural, human desire to look out for self, avoid pain and live through steadfast, intense prayer as we may have to also do when our hour comes (Luke 22:39-46).
Fully surrendered and completely resolute after prayer and strengthening sent from His Father, the Lord Jesus endured being betrayed to His face by His hand-picked disciple as well as submitted to the mob that had come to take Him prisoner and Satan, who was ultimately behind the evil of that hour (Luke 22:47-53). The Lord expects His followers to imitate Him in all things including preparing for our final battle in the hour of darkness as He did. To the glory of God, the last twenty centuries are filled with the excellent testimonies of aspiring strong men and great women of God in Christ’s image who prevailed to victory in their final battle (Acts 7:54-60; Revelation 2:8-13). Many prevail every day now. May you and I go out in a manner worthy of our Lord (2 Timothy 4:6-8).1 The risen, living Christ continues His cry among American churches, “Who is on the Lord’s side?”
1 As an additional instructional resource on the topic of the Christian’s spiritual warfare, the Strong Man Store has available an audio CD series I was blessed of the Lord to proclaim entitled, We Are At War!
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