The Greatest Champion – Jesus
Have you ever been angry at the many injustices of this world? Wars. Terrorism. Human trafficking. Extreme poverty. Sexual perversion. Child abuse. Spousal abuse. Freedom infringed upon. Disregard for human life. Theft. Murder. Arson. The list goes on.
These are difficult to hear and read about in the media, or perhaps to have experienced first-hand or observed a friend or family member experience. Sometimes, we just want to lash out. With that in mind, it’s easy to want to take action. And there are times to take action. To speak out. To write to a legislator. To be a part of organizations that fight against injustice. There are examples of Jesus standing for the rights of women and children. The woman at the well (John 5:5-30). Jesus prayed over children. Matthew 19:13-14 tells us, “Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked him. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jesus acted. But when we read about or see an injustice, sometimes our impulse is to react in an unwise manner. Jesus acted with wisdom.
The Bible also tells us in Ephesians “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the cosmic rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12-13)
This tells us two things. One, that the focus of who is ultimately responsible for injustice is the dark enemy of this world – Satan. And two, this means that there are many in this world who are deceived and conduct their lives in a manner which results in an injustice. Which is an injustice in and of itself.
Have you ever been angry at Satan for the injustices of this world? Or have you ever doubted faith in Jesus to the point of being angry? Perhaps at yourself. Perhaps at the enemy. Have you ever wanted to lash out at the enemy?
So what are we as Christ-followers to do? The Apostle Paul tells us as he continued to write to the church in Ephesus. “Therefore, put on the full armor of God. That you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (See Ephesians 6:13-20).
Focusing on three of the pieces of his armor: the breastplate of righteousness and the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit.
Isaiah 11:5 is a reference with regard to when Jesus wore a sash, it was meant figuratively as righteousness. One of the many ways he was and is our example. Moses wrote in Exodus that two of the gemstones on the breastplate that the priests wore were carnelian and jasper. These were gemstones which represented God’s righteousness and purity. There’s nothing magical about these stones – they are only a representation (See Exodus 20:4.) Jesus is our high-priest. He goes before us, and through his eyes, God sees us as righteousness and pure. (Colossians 1:22)
The shield of faith is meant to extinguish the “flaming arrows” of the enemy. Think about what arrows in the modern age we may encounter – the temptations placed before us. The shield would have been an image clear in the minds of the first century church since Roman soldiers used shields. In battle they would form a line of shields. And behind them were more rows of soldiers, all with shields. This image tells us that we cannot fight this battle alone. We need each other. (See Ecclesiastes 4:12.)
So what are we as Christ-followers to do in a practical way? This is where the sword of the spirit is incredibly important. The Word of God. Daily, we need to read and abide. Jesus tells us, as recorded by the Apostle John, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Ask Jesus to give you the armor of God. His righteousness and faith. There is nothing we can do without Jesus. How his words work in our life is beyond human understanding. Proverbs tells us to not “lean on our own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3)
A question was asked earlier. Knowing that this battle is an invisible one, have you ever wanted to lash out at the enemy? The Psalmist, David, gives us encouragement in that regard. “Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul 'I am your salvation!’” (Psalm 35:1-3) Jesus is our warrior. He fights for us. He fights for you!
I Corinthians 15:17 tells us, “… thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. But now in a single victorious stroke of life, all three – sin, guilt, death – are gone, the gift of our savior, Jesus Christ …”
In Revelation, Jesus “has conquered.” Past tense. This is a parallel to when Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished.” Jesus was and is victorious!
I am thankful I have Jesus the Messiah, the King of
kings, the greatest Champion on my side! In the midst of the evil in this world
I am encouraged and strengthened knowing that I have his Word, his truth,
righteousness, faith and the promise of his salvation on my side!
