|
|
|
The Word's Eye View is a newspaper column written by
"The Battle in the Principality" Cartoonists have periodically characterized Satan as a little fellow with a pitchfork standing on someone’s left shoulder whispering destructive urgings into the ear of the willing listener. This imp of unrighteousness often faces a competitor on the other shoulder suggesting a more rational and moral approach. This portrayal of the battle of good and evil actually extends beyond the illustrative power of the printed page into full blown reality. When the recent activities and proposals of our elected leaders are considered, there are only two possibilities….total insanity or an invisible influence entering the equation that is bent on absolute destruction. When recent bailouts, the stimulus package, budget appropriations, the health care down payment, and a few other miscellaneous billions are thrown in, the total spending bundle is now in the neighborhood of 3.6 trillion dollars. Not only is this irrational, it is immoral and can only be compared to legalized extortion. That amount cannot be extracted from an unwilling public and be called virtuous. To compound the financial quagmire, Washington has engaged in a systematic rollback of policies that have been based on higher ground. Stem cell research is being accelerated when science is discovering that adult stem cells are just as effective. International abortions are funded even though the vast majority of the American taxpayers are opposed to it. At the risk of sounding too theological, we have found ourselves at a crossroads of national schizophrenia where God must be consulted if any logical answers are to be obtained. The apostle Paul said, “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) The entire context suggests that a satanic army exists which has four divisions with that many targets. Principalities, the first on the list, has to do with governments. (Jeremiah 13:18) It is similar to the word municipalities, only broader in scope. Daniel 10 indicates that a demonic prince (hence, principalities) is assigned to every nation in the world to confound, confuse and to lead the parade of incorrect thinking. The idea that Lucifer has this authority is uncontested as illustrated in Matthew 4:8-9, “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him (Jesus) all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Jesus did not refute the satanic claim of ownership as the Bible acknowledges the devil to be the “god of this world.” (II Corinthians 4:4) Satan’s kingdom is still functioning, but it operates as a defeated foe (Colossians 2:9,10); hence, a prayer that most are familiar with…”Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by they name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9,10) Clearly, the kingdom has not yet come, and God’s will is largely being ignored on earth. Before we assume the role of fatalist and throw up our hands in despair with the usual assertion “what will be, will be,” the remainder of the Scriptural formula should be digested. Paul continues the narrative by proposing a spiritual armor to withstand the wiles of the devil. His choice of the word ‘wiles’ indicates “wily, crafty, underhanded, cunning, deception, fraud, trickery,” according to Mr. Webster. This is the same man who said, “If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity.” The highway of history is littered with discarded protection that has all the appearance of a retreating Iraqi army. The helmet of humble salvation has been cast aside in favor of a proud look and lofty eyelids. Society feeds on a self-congratulatory diet of Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, People’s Choice Awards, Grammys, Country Music Awards, etc. The breastplate of righteousness is in the weeds having been replaced by movies, music and language and morals that would have made a 19th century pimp blush. The armor for the legs is compared to truth, and any street fighter (the devil is best) knows that the legs must go. The prophet added, “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” (Isaiah 59:14) The feet which once were shod with the gospel of peace have been given over to the Good Will store in preference for a glitzy pair purchased at the mall of relativity. Considered to be an article of antiquity, the shield of faith is no longer considered necessary and has been re-assigned to the wall of the museum of curiosity. “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:17) has been dismissed in preference for the artillery of higher critical thinking. Excalibur is occasionally pulled from the rock in a Presidential campaign or a national emergency but otherwise, left to be disdained by Ivy League intelligentsia. No wonder the arrows of the enemy are piercing the heart and soul of our nation. The voice of the angel on the right shoulder has been reduced to a whisper, but he is still there if anyone is listening.
|