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As Christian Believers, we will invariably find ourselves behind enemy lines from time to time. Because we choose to follow Christ and obey His Word and commands, we may often find ourselves at odds with popular thought. Jesus, in fact, warned us we will be hated because of our relationship with Him (Mark 13:13). This can happen at school, work, in our homes, and even on the church pew. What are some things we can do behind enemy lines? Biblical examples of being “behind enemy lines” include the stories of Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, Esther, David, Paul and even Jesus. Whether they found themselves behind enemy lines because of imprisonment, exile, war, or because their teachings opposed those of their culture and time, it was their attitude that helped them adjust and carry out God’s assignment. We can glean wisdom and insight from each of these biblical men and women. I encourage you to read more about those mentioned during the month. Yet, for this pigs and pearls we will briefly look at one passage of text and attempt to answer the question, “What does God expect from us when we are behind enemy lines? This is the Message from GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel's God, to all the exiles I've taken from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and make yourselves at home."Put in gardens and eat what grows in that country. "Marry and have children. Encourage your children to marry and have children so that you'll thrive in that country and not waste away. "Make yourselves at home there and work for the country's welfare."Pray for Babylon's well-being. If things go well for Babylon, things will go well for you." Yes. Believe it or not, this is the Message from GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel's God: "Don't let all those so-called preachers and know-it-alls who are all over the place there take you in with their lies. Don't pay any attention to the fantasies they keep coming up with to please you. They're a bunch of liars preaching lies—and claiming I sent them! I never sent them, believe me." GOD's Decree! This is GOD's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. "When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen."When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed."GOD's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—GOD's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (The Message Bible) • Here we find God giving Jeremiah what he is to relay to Israel while exiled in Babylon. In essence, the people are to make themselves at home, “hunker down,” “go with the flow” or yet another modern cliché, “make the best of it.” God is not saying that we are to resign to the belief system of those around us, but to do what it takes to maintain our strength. God wants us able to physically able and thrive at all times, even under dire conditions. • Next, God commands that we pray for those whom we may consider as enemies. If the Babylonians are blessed and fairing well, the thought is the Israelites will do well also. Later, Jesus gives us more insight as to why it is to our advantage to pray for our enemies: “You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. Matthew 5:43-47 (The Message Bible): Praying for our enemies helps us live as God ordained and helps us develop our spiritual muscle. • Also, because we may have daily contact with the “Babylonians” of our day, the Almighty warns us not to be deceived or tricked by their teachings and way of life. The Children of Israel had a history of going along with popular thought. Whether it was listening to the “rabble” that accompanied them when they left Egypt or worship the local idols, God did not want this habit continued (Ex 12:38; Nu 11:4; Joshua). Today’s research shows that many Christians have designed their own personal religion. Taking pieces from various religious and popular thought, some Christians have created a religion that suits them and their beliefs. Unfortunately, there are many Christian leaders who too are “sampling” the scriptures in their messages. Far too many are spending more time teaching on the blessings of God without giving proper attention to the conditions God put in place to receive those blessings. Some leaders deliver messages that appeal to the carnal nature of their parishioners rather than teach how we are to please and relate to our holy God. • Lastly, we are to hold fast to the promise that God has not forgotten us. In Jeremiah, God lets Israel know He will bless them as He promised. Jeremiah relays that when we get serious about seeking God’s presence (not merely His hand), He will not disappoint. God says to us, “I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” We must remember that God is with us wherever we are - even behind enemy lines. “Happiness isn’t something that depends on our surroundings, Corrie. It’s something we make inside ourselves.” Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place |
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