Reflections on Defensive Battles
Military metaphors abound in the Bible and with my recent National Service in-camp training, three reflections on the Christian life came to mind.
Know the Character and Tactics of the Enemy
“…the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
During the military exercise, our enemy was experienced, well-known for using surprise and unconventional tactics to overcome our strengths. We suffered heavy losses in a previous exercise because of them. As commanders, we realised that (i) we could not afford to underestimate them and had to study their battle logic and (ii) we had to analyse lessons from others who had fought them before.
Similarly, we Christians can ill afford to underestimate the devil. In addition, knowing that many believers also undergo “the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:9) we can learn from their life lessons of how to resist the devil; and this gives us hope that victory in Christ is possible.
Mutual Support in Defence
In one particular mission during the exercise, we were to defend ourselves against enemy attacks and when dusk fell, they assaulted us from multiple directions. This masked the location of their main attack. As we watched and adapted to their attacks, reinforcements were required. Thankfully, soldiers stepped up, assisting without question – even coming to defend areas which were not their primary area of responsibility.
This made me remember that Christians are called to belong in a brotherhood and community. None of us can live the Christian life alone thinking we can hold out against the devil. Instead, the Church is to spur each other towards good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), as one body without division (1 Cor 12:25), and to stand together in adversity (Prov 17:17). We must watch out for each other’s blind spots and “reinforce” each other with prayer and support – hopefully before things get really bad! The intent is not only to strengthen our individual spiritual walk, but also to fortify the church toward strength and unity.
Know the Heart and Plans of Our Commander
There was a moment in the exercise that communication with our commander could not get through and we wondered momentarily if access to support from HQ had been cut off! We could only trust in the contingency plans that were discussed before the battle, and that our commander would redirect resources to us. We continued to hold our ground and not misplace that trust.
Imagine the cheering when our commander called for a simulated air force strike to swoop in and take out the enemy’s main forces!
The Christian journey is often a tumultuous one and we can feel enveloped by the proverbial fog of war. Amidst this haze, the best thing for us often is to remind ourselves of the heart and plans of our commander.
When Satan probes us repeatedly, or we only partially understand God’s purpose, timing and provision for us, we must remind ourselves of Jesus’ character and knowledge of our circumstances. In the face of inevitable trouble on Earth, He gives us His peace and states that He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Let us then learn to submit and not doubt His character, as good Christian soldiers desiring to please our Commander-in-chief.
By brother Philip Chan