Invitations of Jesus Series: Episode 11 The Battle

Hello, my walking friend! It is so good that you are out there strengthening your body and your faith because, well, you are in a battle. You may not realize it, but you are. Taking time to care for your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health is so important if you want to be a good soldier in the Lord’s army.  So, well done, my friend! 

Today is the 11th episode in the Invitations of Jesus series and we are reflecting on Jesus’ invitation to join him in his victory.

Our verse to meditate on today is 1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV:

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you ever thought about how people, human beings, throughout history, like competitions? They like to take sides and cheer on their “team” – whether it is a college football team, your country’s Olympic team, or a taste test between Coke and Pepsi. Oh, don’t laugh, I am sure there are people out there who are very passionate about which is better!

And we really like it when our team wins. It’s so exciting! It gets our blood pumping! Our endorphins are flowing and we feel great! And what’s at stake when our favorite college football team, or Olympic team, or soda flavor, wins or loses? Not a whole lot, right? Jesus must really enjoy watching his image bearers get so riled up over things that, really, are pretty trivial. Don’t misunderstand, I think it blesses Jesus to see us enjoy ourselves, and have fun, and cheer on our teams. Jesus is not a kill-joy – he came to give us joy. As long as what we do doesn’t violate his commandments to us, I think he is fine about having fun.

But there is a time to be serious, too. And a time when choosing the right team will have eternal consequences. It makes me sad to know that many people will spend more time learning about their favorite athletes than they will about Jesus. That they will invest more emotional energy into rooting for their favorite team, than they will contemplating the heart of Jesus. That they will spend hours deciding which players to pick for their fantasy league team than they will examining the claims of Jesus and deciding where they will spend eternity. One day, we will either stand with Jesus in victory, or we will have chosen to go it on our own and we will end in defeat. Let’s commit ourselves to living in the victory of Jesus today and every day, knowing that whatever happens here, one day we will be victorious with him in heaven.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on 1 Corinthians 15:57:

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? I was inspired to write a poem based on the story of the battle at Mount Carmel where the prophet Elijah challenged the people to decide between God and the false prophets. The poem is called The Battle and you can read the poem in my poetry devotional entitled, Invitations Poetry Devotional.  

You can read about the battle, and the victory, in 1 Kings 18:19-46. 

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus’ invitation to join in his victory, and what that means to us. 

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Lord,

In this divided world I am often called to take sides. Help me to remember that the most important decision I will ever make is to align myself with you. Give me the power to stand firm for you and your truths even in the face of fierce opposition. Thank you for saving me in this spiritual battle so I can stand with you in victory in heaven one day. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, the one who invites me. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

Can you think of a time when you were called to take sides? How did that make you feel? Try to remember a time now.

Is God calling you now to take that step of faith and choose to stand with him on a specific issue or just in your day to day life? Take some time to consider your answer now.

The apostle Paul uses the metaphor of Jesus followers as soldiers. What does it mean to you to be a part of God’s army? Consider your answer now. 

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time 1 Corinthians 15:57:

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Good job, my friend! Isn’t it exciting to think that, with Jesus, we are victorious and that we can never go wrong being on his team or soldiering for his army.  So, way to go! 

Today’s podcast was adapted from my poetry devotional called Invitations. For information on this devotional, or any Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to LynneLeite.com.  You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another invitation from Jesus. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.