One of the most fundamental understandings of the Christian Faith is that the world we see is not all there is. In fact, because we believe that this world will be burned up in the judgment of God and transformed into the New Heavens and the New Earth, one might even say that the world we see isn’t the most important thing there is. 

Paul reminds us of this when he says, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:12) There is a spiritual reality that we must always keep in mind as we move throughout each day. And it is not simply a distinction between a physical and a spiritual reality, but that there is a conflict unfolding in the spiritual world that breaks into the physical world as well. 

The Christian life is not simply about remembering these realities but coming to a point where you never forget it. It’s about coming to a point in your daily walk that you see everything in the light of these truths. It’s been pointed out before, but it’s a bit like the Matrix in the movie of the same name. Everyone in the matrix is blind to the fact that they are there. The few who have been brought out of the matrix are on a mission to wake everyone up and deliver them from the matrix as well. Neo, the messiah figure, sees this matrix more clearly than anyone else. 

Christian, the Spirit of God working through his Word is putting the truth on display - the truth about this world, the truth about the conflict between God and those who are opposed to him, the truth about the spiritual realities which are as much a part of our daily setting as the physical world around us. Let us learn to keep this in mind every single moment of every single day. Let us see everything that is happening in light of this truth. Only then will we rightly understand what is unfolding in the world at large and in the minutia of our daily lives. In understanding this, we will know better what to think of it. This will lead us to a joy and peace in the blessings of God, and stronger prayers against the work of the enemy.

Your fellow servant in Christ,

Pastor Matt