The Battle is "At The Gate"

"In that day the LORD of hosts will be...strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 28:5a, 6)

"The Message" paraphrase says, "to those who guard and protect."  The NLT says, "to their warriors who stand at the gates."  The CEV says, "he will see that justice rules and that his people are able to defend their cities."  The New Century Version says, "and strength to those who battle at the city gate."  This is not just referring to some elites who consider themselves more "spiritual" than others.  The original text just says, "to them that turn the battle at the gate."  Where are you doing, "battle," today?!?

Over the years I have heard people say, "Well, I don't know why you have to go to all those places.  I can pray right here."  Of course you can.  But there is a call here in our text to get out of the comfort zone, to get out of that church building, away from the television, that favorite chair------------------------ and get to, "the gate."  It was good to be, "at the gate," of the Nation's Capitol this week, even when the thermometer hit 99 F, 37.2 C.

It is the old, "on site with insight."  If transformation is going to come to any city or nation, it will be the result of, "those who turn the battle at the gate."  Jesus came among men to be "on sight."  Some theologian could come up with a religion of God staying in Heaven and dictating the events of the Scriptures-------------- but it would be simple foolhardiness.  The Holy Trinity has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ as, "God with us," among us, in our houses, cities, nations.  "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I need your strength, wisdom, and provision to be about Your business.  I trust You for all.  Amen.
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DC report will be on the Blog later:     www.apf327.blogspot.com
New "Jerusalem Watch" at:     www.apfjw.blogspot.com


When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2