A Spectacle Of Glory #82

Read: Romans 15:5-6

You don’t have to read much about World War II in the Pacific to know that Japanese soldiers would fight to the death for their emperor. Such dedication made them a fierce, formidable, and sometimes suicidal foe. American forces were also valiant as they fought for their country. Our soldiers and Marines, however, didn’t fight for a king or emperor. To a large degree, they fought, sometimes to the death, for one another—defending one another, rescuing their wounded, and leaving no one behind.

In the same way, followers of Jesus are in a fierce spiritual war against an unseen enemy. Yes, there are battles we must fight in Christ alone, but we must also fight for one another through prayer, accountability, comfort, and encouragement. Today’s Scripture captures our battle cry: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”

Father, thank You for all the people who pray for me—so many I will never meet this side of heaven. Please don’t let me slip into a false sense of peace or let down my guard today. Keep me alert to the attacks on my friends and loved ones and Your people who face danger and persecution around our world in this very hour.