Reflection:

God is sovereign; he is in charge. How God’s sovereignty works is mysterious. But one thing is clear: God’s sovereignty is not unopposed. Our readings say the devil is the ‘god of this age’, and ‘the whole world is under the control of the evil one’. We live in the midst of a vast spiritual war.

C. S. Lewis says, “Christianity agrees … that this universe is at war. But it does not think this is a war between independent powers. It thinks it is a civil war, a rebellion, and that we are living in a part of the universe occupied by the rebel.”

The incarnation — the Son of God becoming human — was a declaration of spiritual war. This also marked the decisive turning point in this spiritual war. John explains, ‘The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work’ (1 John 3:8). Luke (in Acts 10:38), Paul (in Colossians 2:13-15) and the letter to the Hebrews (2:14-15) all interpret Jesus’ ministry through what I call a warfare worldview.

Do you interpret the world through the lens of being in the midst of a spiritual war? If this is true, how might it affect your spiritual resilience?

Prayer:

Father, you are good, and your creation is good, and yet, Lord, many things happen that are not good. Your word teaches me that this world is in a state of spiritual war – help me be alert to this and what it means for my life and my situation. Holy Spirit, please help me to discern when and where your will is being carried out, and when it is being opposed, so that I can pray and act faithfully.