The Battle and the War

 “Therefore, everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father, who is in heaven. But whoever will have denied me before men, I also will deny before my Father, who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to send peace upon the earth. I came, not to send peace, but the sword.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:32-34‬ ‭CPDV‬‬

https://www.bible.com/42/mat.10.32-34.cpdv

When I think about how the world is today I shudder.  There is so much discord.  People can’t even agree to disagree.  We are a divided people, a nation torn apart from within.  This implosion caused by division is tearing the very fabric of society.  

And yet, I’m reading God’s word and I am disheartened that there is not peace but the sword.  Fighting will continue.  There will be wars not only in far away places but within the walls of our homes.  How can this be?

What is this battle we are geared to fight?  Although the war is won by Jesus’ blood on the cross, we continue to soldier on in life.  It is the battle between the forces of good and evil.  My daily battle is against evil as long as I continue to live and breathe in this world.

Jesus, I pray for strength and endurance to live my life in holiness.  It is a daily struggle because my thoughts and actions often veer away from your word.  Shield me and protect me from evil.  Give me the sword of God’s truth through His holy word and the armor of your sacraments.  Prepare me for this battle so my heart is willing to endure the sacrifice.  Jesus, I trust in you.