Via TJC
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would have fought to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But my kingdom is from another place.” ~John 18:36
In the fall of 1780, approximately 2,000 American men—half British loyalists and half separatists seeking freedom—clashed in a battle intended to secure a foothold for British advancement into the southern colonies. Major Patrick Ferguson, a British officer, was tasked with protecting the left flank of Lord Cornwallis’ forces and rallying loyalist militias in North Carolina. This was a battle where Americans fought against each other, neighbor against neighbor. The conflict was brutally one-sided. Ferguson and his loyalist forces were decisively defeated. Thomas Jefferson later called it “the turning of the tide” in the Revolutionary War, marking the beginning of the end for King George’s dream of keeping America under British rule.
For the average citizen at the time, the way forward after the war would not be dramatically different in the short term—life would still be primitive and difficult. But the real difference would emerge in the future, when men would have the freedom to live in an open society, where personal choices determined their destiny.
When humanity fell, whether man realized it or not, the desire was to replace God with self. You might wonder, “Why would anyone in their right mind want to leave a perfect world where everything was at our disposal?” It was because the enemy led mankind to disobey, changing the purpose of our existence on this side of eternity. The battle is no longer for peace and righteousness alone. Though some men may long for these, the fallen nature of humanity drives us to seek total control—of everything. This desire for control was imparted to us when we made that fateful choice to rebel. It’s no wonder we often seek to be kings of our own lives.
Which spiritual kingdom draws you in? Is it the one that offers the safety and familiarity of the “Christian” world many families inhabit—no real surrender to Jesus, no true freedom? Or is it the more dangerous, yet liberating, path of total abandonment to God’s will?
DAILY BATTLE ORDER:
Make the bold choice to commit your family to Christ’s care. Do it often. Keep doing it. Step into His kingdom with courage.
Comments