The Battle Of The Ages

"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)

There’s a battle that’s been raging since the beginning of time, and it’s one that finds its outward expression in what we see every day. Nations have gone against nations, religions have gone against religions, and individuals have gone against individuals, all for the same reason.

You see, the ultimate battle of the ages, first initiated by the enemy of God and man, has been for authority.

Satan thought that he could usurp God’s authority; but he failed. He then deceived our first parents, and obtained the authority that had been given to them; but, as we know, it’s only temporary situation. However, all throughout the millennia the quest for authority has been the natural outcome of having our enemy ruling over this world, even though it’s been limited by the Father.

We see it in some of the wars that have been fought. Even when they’ve been justified, such as the response of the allied powers to the attempted subjugation of the nations by the axis powers in World War II, it was still a battle for authority by all involved.

Religion has arisen against religion numerous times, and political parties have arisen against political parties; and all in the quest for authority. This even comes down to various church members in the religious realm, and individual politicians in the political.

The quest for authority has always been a driving force of multitudes, again, from nations to individuals. Some of the time it’s been good and necessary, but many times the intentions have been just the opposite. And the effort that’s put into attaining positions of authority and power sometimes boggles the mind!

There’s something that the majority of them have failed to understand.

The Lord possesses all power and authority in heaven and earth, and He gives it to whom He will.

Nobody holds any position of authority and power of their own accord. It doesn’t matter if it’s nations or religions or ministers or politicians or dictators or company supervisors or parents. EVERY person in EVERY position of authority is there because the Lord has put them there. And He can remove them whenever He will, as well.

There’s something else that the majority have failed to understand.

The Lord hasn’t placed anybody in places of authority and power for themselves. His desire is that they would learn to serve those over whom He has placed them. True: we know that many of them have no intention of service, but, rather, of being served. At the same time, there ARE many who have learned that lesson. But either way, they’ll have to answer to the Lord.

If you find yourself receiving any amount of authority, you need to realize that it’s not because of your abilities. It’s strictly because the Lord has chosen to bestow it upon you. And it’s vital that you acknowledge that, and that you realize that it’s for the purpose of service.