Storm The Gates

"...and on this rock [Greek, petra—a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].

Matthew 16:18 (AMP)

One of my favorite things to do when in Nicaragua is to visit with Eddie Morales.  Eddie is a man of God, vision, perseverance, confidence, humility, and strength.

One evening during Porch Time (basically a time of remembering the day's events and teaching), Eddie let us know what he had been reading and meditating on in the Bible earlier that week; Matthew 16:18.  In summary, he said when we read this verse, we tend to read it defensively - we put up our shield of faith and tolerate the attacks on us, hoping to hold out and survive.

We need to be on the offensive when we read this.  The verse states that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, meaning we (Christ-followers) are attacking the gates.  When we do God's Will, we strike a blow against the gates of hell.

So how does this play out in life?

All of us know (or should know) what God's will is for us.  Here's a short list:
     - Love God, our neighbors, make disciples (Matt 22:39, 28:19)
     - Always be joyful; Pray continuously; be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thess 5)
     - Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8)

When we work to improve our neighbor's quality of life, we strike a blow against the gates.

How does this equate with using the Sword?

When we bring heaven to earth acting in God's will; when we show our faith with action; when we admonish someone in love so that they are encouraged to repent - using God's Word in God's Will, we strike a blow against the gates of hell.

Can you imagine what would have happened to Jesus had he not used the Sword against Satan when he was tempted in the wilderness?  (Matthew 4)  When Satan attacked (i.e. attempted to manipulate) Jesus, Jesus's reply was always with the Word of God from the Old Testament.

If you need a more recent example, how about Martin Luther King, Jr. in the fight for civil rights?  Where would the state of civil rights be if MLK sat on his hands and said, "Well, if it's God's will for us to be oppressed, I guess we'll just have to tolerate it."  No.  He used the sword.  He knew all people are created of equal value to God and he went for justice through the Word and civil disobedience.

We've already won, so we need to be on the offensive.  At the same time, we need to let go of the belief that whatever comes easily is God's will.

We have the sword.  We know God's will.  We need to stop sitting on our hands and get to work!