As most of you know by now, I’m an absolute nut for almost anything having to do with espionage. I just think spies are the some coolest things around. I like spy movies, spy books, spy TV shows, spy music. Some of my favorite websites to visit are all about spies and espionage. I think I’d make a good spy, too.
But there’s the flip side to spying. What if you’re the one being spied on? Not nearly as cool, is it? In fact, that’s a good recipe for creating total and complete paranoia! Wouldn’t you agree?
But, what if we really are being watched? Not by some sinister political techno spy or creepy stalker type, actually not by anything in the physical world. The surveillance that we're under is spiritual in nature.
Yet, don't for a second believe that just because we are under a spiritual observation that it is any less real. In fact, the eyes that are on us know not only what's going on the outside, but in our hearts and minds as well.
In fact, the Bible describes no less than three categories of beings that constantly monitor our lives. When you understand how this works, it shouldn't creep you out...rather it should inspire and motivate you in ways you never realized before.
The first category is God Himself- and this is how it works:
"The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (2 Chronicles 16:9).
What an amazing concept! Like a spotlight roving through a darkened city at night, God is seeking people who are loyal to Him so He can give you strength.
Strength for what, though you ask? Well, this brings up the second category of 'watchers':
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8).
Peter is stating plainly that Satan also roams the earth with his army of demons like a pride of hungry lions. The devil is watching and waiting for you to give into a moment of weakness and temptation so he can shred you to pieces and destroy your life.
The third category is your cheering section. That's right - you have the equivalent of a huge stadium full of people shouting approval for your efforts to serve Jesus Christ and resist the enemy.
Here's how the Bible describes it:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-12).
The 'witnesses' mentioned in this verse refer to all the heroes of the faith who lived their lives committed to God. By way of example and (I believe) observation, they now watch and give our efforts to serve Christ a heavenly shout out. From Abel and Noah and Moses and David and the prophets and the Jews up through the Maccabees - multitudes of people - who by the way they lived their lives - if they were in this room today - they would tell us “Live by faith in God. Just do it!”
So if you feel as though you're being watched... well, your feelings are correct!
God wants to strengthen you.
Satan wants to destroy you.
The Saints want to encourage you and cheer you on to victory in the race of life.
Join us this week at The Refuge!
Special thanks to Dare 2 Share Ministries for resource material used in this week's lesson.
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