"Friend or foe?"
A simple question asked of men seeking access through ancient gates to the safe haven of castle grounds. After this past week, it seems to be a question that percolates subconsciously about every person I walk by. This is understandable but it is also very much an over-reaction. The ENEMY is always going to be around. My over-reaction not only feeds his desire for more disruption, it inhibits the effectiveness of order and good that exists. This past week the Boston police along with the people of Boston and other state and federal agencies used the order and good prevalent in America to take care of the enemy. Clear discernment between friend and foe resulted from level headed response and rational action.
The Word on ENEMY is: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds became evident also. The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?' And he said to them, 'An enemy has done this!' The slaves asked, 'Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?' But he said, 'No; for while you are gathering up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather up the weeds and bind them in bundles and burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn."' - Matthew 13:24-30.
The enemy is real. Over-reaction to his presence can cause a lot of collateral damage. Just as the weed among the wheat, the enemy will show who he is. He will be recognized, maybe even profiled, gathered, bound and burned in time. In the meantime, we are to stay alert, discern well and act rationally with confidence we are barn bound.
Big Idea
A faithful father stands firm with the full armor of God on & discerns well to keep the enemy at bay.
Prayer guide: Lord, the enemy shows up in all sizes and shapes. We have now experienced a glimpse of what some parts of the world see almost on a daily basis. We pray for the families dealing with death and injury this week, may they feel Your comfort and peace. The enemy will always work to stir up fear through physical, emotional and spiritual attacks. But he only has as much power as we grant him. Strengthen us in the name of Jesus the Christ, one man, one family and one church at a time to stand firm with the full armor of You on, to discern well and keep the enemy at bay. Amen.
