You are now wearing the uniform as a soldier of Jesus Christ of Nazareth [Yeshua], so not only can you be identified by your fellow soldiers [believers] but can easily be spotted by the enemy. Being a disciple of Yeshua is like ‘pouring honey on the floor [your salvation into the kingdom of GOD]. This will attract insects and all other crawling creatures [the enemy- the devil and his angels] to ‘destroy’ and ‘consume’ you, basically to stop you from entering the kingdom of GOD but rather join them in the lake of fire[Hell]. Yeshua reminded us in the Holy Scriptures of Matthew 25:41 that, … the everlasting fire has been prepared for the devil and his angels and not for you nor me. There is a constant spiritual warfare going on to win souls for either the Kingdom of GOD or the kingdom of darkness. Is it people gossiping about your life or a senior or manager at work doing everything to frustrate or stop your career progression or perhaps you have family problems or dealing with infertility? Are you facing bereavement, health problems, financial problems or there has been setbacks in your business or education? Or perhaps you struggling with your faith and believe in God- Spiritual life. What you need to say with full conviction right now brothers and sisters, just like Jesus Christ [Yeshua] said, when He first predicted His death and resurrection to his disciples, in Matthew 16:21-23 is, ‘get behind me satan!’. The devil can use anything to derail you from your destiny. Even the devil used Peter the Apostle , someone very close to Jesus Christ [Yeshua] the Messiah, our Lord of Armies.
In Christianity, disciple primarily refers to a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. A disciple in the ancient biblical world actively imitated both the life and teaching of the master. It is not the same as being a student in the modern sense. If you’re a follower of Yeshua, then you’re extremely hated by the evil one; he will try all sorts of tricks and schemes to stop you from getting into the Kingdom of God. These are all the setbacks and afflictions you face today, continue in faith brothers and sisters. Lets look at what led to the mixed crowds to believed amid persecution of the disciples in Acts 14. ”Jewish people came from Antioch and Iconium; and after they won the crowd over and stoned Paul, they were dragging him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. But while the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went back into the city. On the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. After proclaiming the Good News to that city and making many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. They were strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to persevere in faith, and saying, “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.” As a disciple of Yeshua the Messiah, the people around you, build their faith and believe as you continue to face challenges everyday and win .Brothers and sisters, you’re proclaiming the Good News in your afflictions and that of others.
As a soldier going into a battle, there will be times when your strength and endurance is tested to it’s full capabilities. I have been told during my service in the British Army that, ‘I signed up for Queen and Country’ and must be ready to put down my life. Interesting right? This is the Fact, however, is not the truth. Everyone enlists as a soldier willingly with their personal agenda. As a ‘physical soldier’ you affirm to obey the orders of the head of State or President and the orders of the officers appointed to defend your people and it’s territories against all enemies. When you’re ‘born from above’ (known as born a again), believe and accept Jesus Christ the Nazarene- Yeshua HaMashiach [Jesus the Messiah]; you become a spiritual soldier– you have automatically enlisted in Army of ADONAI [GOD], and ‘MUST’ be led willingly, by the Lord of Armies, Jesus Christ- YESHUA. Luke 6:40 tells us that, ”A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher”.Brothers and sisters, the truth is that, you’re now enlisted as soldier, in the Invisible War Army for the kingdom of GOD. When you become a soldier of Yeshua, you abandon everything to be a disciple. Yeshua reminded us of this in Luke 14:26,33 that, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters—and yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.” ”So in the same way, whoever does not renounce all that he has, cannot be My disciple”.
In every warfare there will be casualties and or fatalities. In spiritual warfare these are the afflictions we face 24/7. The Good News is that, we are following a commander who have already won the battle. 1 Corinthians 15:57 reminds us to continue to give thanks to ADONAI Elohim, who keeps giving us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah! Is this not enough to stop worrying and complaining about our troubles? The invincible battles you’re facing right now with all the troubles in life was won when our commander in chief Yeshua laid down His life for you on the Cross at Golgotha. Brothers and sisters, we have freedom based on Favor. Galatians 5:1 promises us that, ”For freedom, Messiah set us free—so stand firm, and do not be burdened by a yoke of slavery again”. Your ‘troubles should rather be your friend and not an enemy’. Your troubles should highlight the fact that, the enemy has identified you as a disciple of Jesus Christ [”the honey on the floor”] and want’s to do anything to stop you from the Kingdom of God. The enemy strives to use all forms of tricks and deceit to derail you, from staying focus and marching on to the Kingdom of God. Yeshua said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone wants to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross every day, and follow Me”. You can overcome your troubles with ‘Jesus Christ -Yeshua, your Sword and only Weapon in spiritual warfare. Yeshua went further to assure as in in John 16:33 that, ”These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom [Peace] .In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!”. Brothers and sisters, Steadfast in prayer knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance as the book Jacob 1:3 said [also known as book of James]. GOD has commanded us in the book of Joshua 1:9 that, ”…Chazak! Be strong! Do not be terrified or dismayed, for Adonai your God is with you wherever you go.”
Prayer
O’ Holy Spirit [Ruach ha-Kodesh] take my fear and give me more of your strength and endurance as I follow ADONAI – till thy kingdom come in Yeshua [Jesus Christ] name I pray. Amen
Further Reading
Luke 14:25-35; Philippians 3:10; John 10:1-19; Joshua 1:1-9
