Using the Weapons of Our Warfare

Isaiah 54:17 points to the mindset of the believer in Christ who wishes to walk in triumph - we recognize that the power of God is so much greater than that of the enemy, and that verse says:
17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me," Says the Lord.

This is a relevant Scripture verse for us today.  In an age where we see so much lawlessness, which results from rebellion against God, we can see that human strength can sometimes be ineffective - we need to rely on another power source.  So, we trust in the weapons God has given to us.  There are spiritual dynamics at play when people intentionally reject the principles of the Lord.  Through strong, spiritual warfare prayer, we can see the enemy loose his hold on people and situations.

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It's helpful to recognize the spiritual dynamics of the culture in which we live and how the Bible describes the roots of lawlessness. 2nd Corinthians 10 gives insight into the nature of the battles we face:
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...

A police detective in Birmingham who was beaten unconscious by his own gun said last week that he hesitated to use force because he didn't want to be accused of needlessly killing an unarmed man, according to a CNN report  (note: offensive language in the report).  The officer said, "A lot of officers are being too cautious because of what's going on in the media," adding, "I hesitated because I didn't want to be in the media like I am right now."

That is an unfortunate commentary about the villification of law enforcement these days.  The criminals seem to be getting a pass in some instances, including social media, while those who are charged with protecting our citizens are facing questions about their ability to do their jobs.

Heath Boackle, a sergeant with the Birmingham Police Department and president of the city's Fraternal Order of Police, said to CNN that cops are "walking on eggshells because of how they're scrutinized in the media."  He said of the detective who was beaten, "We should be thanking the good Lord because he could be dead right now."

The report states that Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper sees the episode -- as well as the reaction, including celebratory and vitriolic comments posted online alongside images of the wounded officer -- as symptomatic of a larger problem, in which some don't respect law enforcement.

He said, "The nobility and integrity of policing has been challenged," adding, "As a profession, we have allowed popular culture to draft a narrative which is contrary to the amazing work that so many officers are doing everyday across this nation."   He also called the fact that bystanders would take pictures of an officer being beaten rather than help him, then proceed to post them, "absolutely inhumane," and the online commenters only made it worse.

"It really speaks to the lack of their morality and humanity," the chief said. "People commented on the pictures in a celebratory fashion ... disregarding that this public servant has a family and is committed to serve in some of our most challenging communities."

This incident is tragic and heartbreaking, and it speaks to a sense of lawlessness in our society.  In Judges, we read about a culture that did right in its own eyes.   And, there are some principles that we can take to heart.

First of all, I would encourage you today to pray for our officials - pray for our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line.  And, pray for peace in our communities.  Crime is an outgrowth of a number of factors, but I would say that there can be hope if the presence of Jesus can be brought into troubled neighborhoods.   I am so thankful for ministries that work diligently to speak and live God's truth into desperate situations.  The opportunities are plentiful.

Next, we recognize that lawlessness is a manifestation of a deeper, spiritual problem.  And, lawlessness doesn't just involve criminal activity - it involves an attitude of rebellion against the ways of Almighty God.   Those who want to intentionally violate God's laws are in need of a heart change.  And, we have to check our own hearts for areas of rebellion, in which we want to operate selfishly and reject God's leadership.   As the Holy Spirit convicts, then we can repent and set out in a new direction.

Finally, I believe we are in an unprecedented age of spiritual warfare.  And, we as believers must be bold to use our spiritual weapons.  We have to make sure that we have not become too calloused or complacent.  God has provided powerful tools in order to be victorious over the power of the enemy, who is set on destroying lives.  But, for whatever reason, maybe even intimidation, we don't use those weapons.  Intense spiritual warfare praying, calling upon the power of God and speaking the truth against the enemy, can be transformative and effective for our own lives, our families, our churches, and our communities.   We should not be forgetful or fearful, but recognize what God has given to us.