Psalm 24:10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord almighty – he is the King of glory.

There is perhaps some cultural justification for translating this title for God, “The Lord Almighty,” but the Hebrew is the more traditional, “The Lord of Hosts.” The Japanese translation, rendered literally, is “The Lord of 10,000 Armies,” which is equivalent to saying, all armies. Militarism is not “politically correct,” and Jesus was certainly not a military figure, but the devil wants us to forget that we are in the middle of a conflict. The battle seems quite intense all over the world at this point, whether it takes military form or not. We need to remember that the One we follow is the ultimate General, with the ultimate force at His command. Our task is simply to receive and follow orders, because we can be assured that our Commander in Chief will make no mistakes, in absolute contrast to what we see on the human plane. We can be assured that He has our best interests in mind, no matter how fierce the conflict, and that ultimate victory is a done deal, whatever things look like at the moment. That can take a lot of faith! However, God supplies faith to those who exercise it, and it is indeed the great shield that can quench all the flaming arrows of the enemy. (Ephesians 6:16) Thinking we aren’t at war doesn’t change the facts, and leaves us unprepared either to stand against attacks or to take back territory and set captives free. (Luke 4:18)

Frankly, I had gotten away from thinking in terms of spiritual warfare, despite the conflicts in which I was involved. The Lord has used recent events to call me back to that awareness, and I need to get with His program. I’ve got to remember that “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4) The battle is first in my own heart and mind, and I must not let down my guard. I need to check my armor (Ephesians 6:13-18) at least daily, not neglecting any part of it, because the attacks aren’t going to let up. I know that as a pastor I am particularly targeted, but that God’s protection is sufficient if I will appropriate it. I am not to be anxious for myself, but rather defend the flock that has been entrusted to me, training them to stand and fight as well, knowing that even the gates of hell will not be able to resist us when we are united in Christ. (Matthew 16:18)

Father, thank You for bringing me back to awareness of spiritual warfare. Thank You for how You have been training me in “swordsmanship.” (Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12) May I understand which battles You want me to fight and apply myself fully to them, so that Your Name may be hallowed as Your kingdom comes through Your will being done, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!