The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4, NIV)
If your equipment was highlighted in one of those “In the Bag” features that many golf magazines run, you might be a bit embarrassed. You’re probably not carrying a mashie and a niblick, but neither are you keeping up with the Joneses and their shiny 2015 models from driver to wedge. We know equipment matters, but most of us are remiss or frugal or indifferent. We just keeping hacking away with tired weaponry.
It may be a surprising for you to discover discussions of weaponry in the New Testament. We’re used to the Old Testament accounts of battles, some of which were especially notable because of the weapons employed. But in 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote plainly that the weapons we fight with as followers of Christ are not typical of those used by the world.
Now wait a minute. Even if you are familiar with the armor of God as it is described in Ephesians 6 (also Paul), or even if you know that he exhorted Timothy by saying, “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3), it is unlikely that you walk through your day reciting, I am in a fight. I am ready for battle. As a matter of fact, didn’t Jesus say something about turning the other cheek?
Wow, what a lot to think about!
But consider this: Jesus was not saying that we are not to fight. He was saying that the way we fight is not as the world fights. The world inflicts blows; the kingdom absorbs them. Hence the cross.
Hence the cross, and hence loving our enemies.
Hence the cross, and hence demonstrating patience and kindness in the harshest of environments.
Hence the cross, and hence speaking and living God’s truth where lies and heresy prevail.
Wait, does that last line still fit? Are we to take unpopular stands, confronting the other side? We are if we are to see God’s power demolish strongholds. To love is to hate the things that bring great harm.
When David brought his sling to the battle, no one knew what to do with him. This was no common weapon of warfare. But in the name of the Lord, the shepherd who would be king lifted up the weapon he had been given and a stronghold fell.
Don’t miss how different the cross was. Don’t miss the truth behind its sacrifice. Don’t miss its effect on the strongest of all strongholds—sin. Don’t miss that you too have been called as a disciple of Christ to take up your cross and contend with divine power in hand.
—
Jeff Hopper
May 26, 2015
Copyright 2015 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.