When I said, in the last entry, "the core is war," I mean that in the context of Jesus’ victory. If we belong to Jesus, the outcome is already determined. A reader questioned that concept, so I want to be clearer. As I said to that reader, the analogy of D day and V day applies. Perhaps you’ve heard the analogy. WWII was clearly going to be won by the Allies after D day, but many battles were fought before the victory day. But the winner and the loser had been determined. The strength and power of the Allies had been established at D day. In the same way, the strength and power of God has been established at the cross of Jesus.The cross is the power of God onto salvation (wholeness, redemption, healing). 1Cor.1:18, Romans 1:16, NET.
And yet, from our point of view, the battles are real battles. Our failures have real consequences. Our victories have real benefits. When we find a real way to let God cleanse us of unrighteousness (1Jn 1:9), we are more peaceful, more loving. Ignoring the battle doesn’t work. What has worked for me is engagement in the battle by the power of God. That means a self-awareness of the possibility of sin, at the time of temptation, with a corresponding "Help me, Jesus," prayer. Not easy to keep on top of. In the overeating battle, I lost awareness last week. But whether we win or lose our battles, if we belong to Jesus, our ultimate wholeness is not in doubt. He has covered all our self-destructiveness by his blood, and is at work within us to bring us to wholeness. Glory.
Jesus, thank you for your victory, being worked out in us. Help us cooperate with you today, so we may experience more of your power in our battles.