November 11, 1918, marked the beginning of the end of World War I. An armistice was signed shortly after 5 a.m., but the cease fire would not be in effect until 11 a.m. Those six hours were said to feel like an eternity. Even afterward, some of our soldiers which were entrenched did not want to celebrate or come out of their bunkers. War develops heroes, but it also produces profound fear. The news of the war’s end was not readily received by all. A few even thought of digging in a little deeper. They heard the report, but did not fully embrace it.
The struggle can cripple our acceptance of the victory. Long standing conflicts or battles make it difficult to accept God’s promises and peace. Those few soldiers who heard the good report reverted back to the battle at hand.
Truth heard is not always truth received. The Message may be believed, but what happens next is most important. The Word which we have heard has the ability to set us free and yet, if that Word is not protected, it can be stolen or become blurred in the cloudy mix of our own dilemma. Messages of freedom, victory, blessing, and more have all been questioned by the people of God. We are made free by the Blood of the Lamb. However, some are still living in the bunker, struggling to accept their own deliverance.
Jesus told the parable of the Sower who sowed the seed, but afterward: Mark 4:15 “…when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.” Our joy and confidence in the Lord must be guarded lest we lose what we have found. Our confidence in Jesus and in the Doctrine must be secured lest the enemy of our soul steals it from our hearts.
We have felt the unction of the Holy Spirit in our midst and the Lord has guided our steps. Yet, if the “seed” is to prevail; if it has a chance to grow and multiply, we must guard it with our lives. Jesus has won the victory and His Word is alive in this house of worship and now we must act on what we have heard! The Greater Victory is waiting for us to rise with boldness and lay hold of the promises of God.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole