Food for Friday
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
On June 25, 1876, the U.S. Seventh Cavalry, under the direction of General George Custer, discovered what they thought was a small Sioux village on the banks of the Little Bighorn River in Montana. The Seventh Cavalry was taking part in an effort by the U.S. military to put down a rebellion by native groups angry at the loss of their lands to make room for white prospectors, settlers, and ranchers. When Custer ordered the attack on the Sioux village, he had no way of knowing that it was actually the main Sioux and Cheyenne encampment, and that three thousand warriors under Crazy Horse were ready for battle. Within hours, Custer and the five companies of the Seventh Cavalry that he commanded were wiped out, with a loss of 16 officers and 242 troopers. The lone U.S. Army survivor of that battle was a horse known as Commanche. Had he known the strength of the enemy, it is doubtful that Custer would have launched his attack that day. Knowing the strength of the enemy is also critical in the battle in which Christians are engaged.
As our text indicates, our fight is not merely against the mocking fellow worker who rails against the Bible and the Gospel, or against the local campaigners for abortion rights and greater freedom for drug use, or against the vandals who throw stones at the windows of the Gospel Hall. Such enemies we might well handle ourselves. But our text tells us the battle involves higher and more powerful opponents, far more powerful than ourselves, far more wicked than we can imagine, far more opposed to God than we understand. Being aware of the enemy’s power is the first step in preparing our battle strategy. The context of our verses tell us that our strategy is simple – we are to stand (verse 13). Our preparation is also simple – we are to put on the whole armour of God (verse 11). We know that regardless of the power of our enemies, none are as powerful as the One in whom we must trust.
The principalities and powers referred to in our text remind us that the governments around us are no friend of God or His people. Governments seek only their own benefit, and cater to those who will support them. That is why governments pass laws that allow the slaughter of unborn children, that encourage and promote abominable lifestyles, and that permit the sale of dangerous substances.
The rulers of the darkness of this world refers to the evil religions that make a mockery of their supposed affiliation with God. The spiritual wickedness in high places refers to the demonic activity orchestrated by the devil as he opposes everything that would bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. These are mighty opponents, motivated by hate, greed, and raw wickedness. We do well to be aware of them.
The greatness of our enemies ought to make us flee for refuge to the Almighty One, and claim His preservation. -Jim MacIntosh