He talked about the events of that time, including the Romans who had invaded the land. When His followers asked, He told them what signs would mark His return. He said one of the signs of His return is that we will "hear of wars and rumors of wars" (Matthew 24:6).
If you have seen or heard any news at all recently, you'll know that war is going on in many parts of the world right now, including a war between Hamas and Israel.
(Note: This post isn't about which side you should take in this current conflict but I do suggest that you read what God said in Genesis 12:3 regarding Abraham and his descendants.)
I was reading some updates on an Israeli news site yesterday regarding the current conflict and came across an article that I found very interesting.
Here in the United States, we have military leaders actively trying to oust God from the ranks. Chaplains have been told not to pray in Jesus' Name and there are frequent battles over whether God should be allowed in our schools, government and public buildings.
In the article, IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) Colonel Ofer Winter was quoted as saying,
“I raise my eyes to the sky and call out with you Shma [hear] Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one. The Lord God of Israel, make our way successful. … We're going to war for your people Israel against an enemy that defames you.” Haaretz News
Christians are also in a war with an enemy that defames the name of the LORD. Our enemy was thrown out of heaven for trying to exalt himself above God and then tried to undermine God's authority in the Garden of Eden. He still continues to deceive human beings and defame the name of the LORD.
Col. Winter of the IDF advised his people in a very wise way. He said, studying Torah [God's Word] “protects the people of Israel more than anything else.”
The same is true for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God is our best protection against our enemy also. Romans 12:2 tells us to renew our minds. How do we change our thinking so it will align with God's? By studying His Word and allowing it to change us from the inside out.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, how did he counter the enemy's attacks? With the Word of God, which is exactly how we should answer any attack.
The Word of God is also the "sword of the Spirit" (Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12).
Study the Word to protect yourself and fight back when the enemy attacks.
For example...
- If you're feeling doubtful, boost your faith by studying His promises.
- If you're feeling afraid, boost your courage by studying about His strength and power.
- If you're feeling prideful, boost your humility by studying how Jesus humbled Himself for you.
Remember, every day you and I are in a battle. The enemy of our souls wants more than anything else to defame the Name of the LORD and loves to use God's people for that purpose.
Keep the Word in in your heart and mind.
The Word of God the best protection and best weapon in the battle.
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