The Fight, The Good One
February 17th, 2009I had the privilege of hearing Rabbi Michael Weygant speak last week at the Kehilat Rosh Pinah (www.roshpinah.org), a Messianic Jewish synagogue in Oklahoma City. His message made me think about the spiritual war that we are in. It is critical that we keep on fighting as God’s people before us have.
Near the end of his life, the apostle Paul said that he had “fought the good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). What makes a fight “good“? Here are a few thoughts:
The fight is good when we are victorious. We don’t seem to mind the wounds, the pain of conflict, or the sacrifices – if we win. Athletes say, “No pain, no gain.” Navy Seals in their training have the motto: “The only easy day was yesterday.” On the other side of a victorious conflict we can look back and appreciate the pain of preparation.
Paul had wins and losses (2 Corinthians 11:16-12:10). Overall, however, Paul would say that victory was a “sure thing.” We win because Jesus won the war in his resurrection. There are skirmishes along the way but if we remain faithful to Jesus we share his victory.
Throughout the history of God’s people we see victories. These were not victories that came because God’s people were smarter than the enemies; the victories came by trusting God. Moses raised his hands with the rod of God and Joshua’s army defeated the Amalekites (Exodus 17). Of course, Aaron and Hur helped out a little. David won a victory over the giant with a sling, a stone and the blessing of God.
What about you? What battles are you waging today? The Adversary will try to make you think that you can’t win. Just as in the first Gulf War when the Iraqis left Kuwait with burning oil fields, they knew they could not win; he will try to inflict as much pain on you as possible. BUT, he can’t win and in Jesus, you can’t lose. Fight the good fight!
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
