“When the Battle’s Over”
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.” Revelation 19:11 In the small world of Scottish bagpiping, there are marching tunes called “retreats.” They were written and used to lead soldiers back to their camps at the end of a day’s battle. It introduced some hours of peace and rest on both sides of the battle lines, at least until the fighting resumed the following day. One of the more well-known retreat marches is titled, “When the Battle’s Over,” a tune celebrating a generation of soldiers that bravely fought in previous times, who now lie in eternal rest.
With the surprising victory of President elect Donald Trump and Vice President elect Mike Pence, coupled with the Republican majority in the U. S. Senate and House of Representatives, prayers were answered and multitudes across America are rejoicing. If President Elect Trump stays the course he outlined and fulfills his promises, some blessed days are on the horizon for America as badly needed changes will, prayerfully, occur.
Certainly, pro-life ministries and organizations are thankful and hopeful. Pro-life websites are filled with headlines such as “President-Elect Donald Trump: ‘I’m Pro-Life, The Judges Will be Pro-Life.’” “(Planned Parenthood President) Cecile Richards on Donald Trump’s Victory: ‘I Think Roe v. Wade Was on the Ballot and We Lost.’” “President-Elect Donald Trump Names Pro-Life GOP Chair Reince Priebus as Chief of Staff.” “What’s Planned Parenthood’s Doomsday Plan Under President Donald Trump?” These types of articles have rightly given rise to much enthusiasm and hope for pro-life causes. It is certainly a time in our nation’s history to give thanks to God.
Prior to the election of Tuesday November 8, many Christians across America were called to a day of prayer and fasting, asking God to intervene on behalf of righteousness, justice and truth. I challenged the folks in the church I pastor to join in the nationwide crusade. Following the election and the rejoicing during our midweek service, I challenged those who had fasted and prayed so diligently to continue with the same fervor and disciplined persistence. For a few moments of victory, we can rejoice – and even “retreat” for the night. But make no mistake; as we should realize, the battle is not over, and the conflicts will resume.
Immediately following the election, demonstrations began, and many infamous and wealthy individuals and organizations such as Planned Parenthood are reported to be among the key sources of the unrest, paying out huge sums of money to demonstrators with the sole purpose of creating civil unrest. Their motives are diverse, but regardless of their intentions, they are nefarious. They are frustrated, feel defeated in the current battle, and they will not surrender their diabolical worldview without creating major conflicts throughout the war.
Thus Christians must not ease up in prayer, and must remain vigilant in declaring and defending conservative Christian principles and the conservative values that have made traditional America the nation God has so richly blessed. We must likewise stay informed on the issues, hold our elected officials to their campaign promises and support them in their just objectives. We must remain faithful in shining the Light of Truth in a dark world!
Yet we realize our hope is not in earthly governments or even righteous leaders. Our hope is ultimately in the Lord! Scripture reveals this war will continue until the Lord returns in power and glory to establish His Kingdom, cf. Revelation 19:11-21. But until then, we pray and stand for righteousness. The greatest responsibilities we have, and the greatest impact we can make, is to boldly proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ so others, too, can come to Him in saving faith. If you really desire to impact America for good, share the Gospel with your fellow Americans. A regenerated heart will result in a righteous worldview! Charles Spurgeon wisely noted, “Get a man converted and a thousand foolish ideas are destroyed.” The battle is not over.
Devotional submitted by:
Pastor Richard C. Rogers, Calvary Baptist Church of Sturtevant, President of the Board, Baptists for Life of WI