The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The one who is spiritual discerns all things … But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NETFull)
I watch Chinese faces squint in passionate worship and I know why they risk gathering in the underground church. I join Africans in a praise dance, clapping out complex rhythms and shouting between lyric phrases, and I know exactly what's inside their hearts. I overhear a political fracas or gasp after the latest school shooting and a secret knowledge of the cause burns in my soul.
As a Christian, I have clearance for intelligence on the state of two opposing unions. I am briefed on what makes heaven sing and what makes hell screech, but I can’t talk about it openly. Discussions of divine glory and eternal burning appear fantastical to those who have not lifted the lens of Jesus Messiah to their eye. Yet, my revelation is too hot to hold inside.
An agent of heaven is called to apply God’s power to change what he can and commiserate with God on the rest. Jesus bequeaths us with far more authority than our enemy would have us know. We can pray down strongholds, speak the words of God, and be operatives of reconciliation. Every Joe-Christian among us needs to rise up as the spiritual warrior we were meant to be.
There are, however, struggles that are destined to continue until Christ returns. Jesus lamented Jerusalem when he longed to gather her children like a hen gathers chicks under her wings. Paul spoke of holy groaning—a deep inarticulate heartache that we are not home in God’s perfection.
I am moving through an epic tragedy with my best comrade, Jesus. We shout victory after some fights, after others we weep—in everything we are together. Throughout eternity, he and I will retell our adventures under a giddy bond because we lived them—both the heavenly and the hellish—together.
Prayer: Mighty, compassionate friend Jesus, you are in this battle with me.