The classic novel The
Hobbit is about a fictional creature named Bilbo Baggins who goes on an
adventure to help reclaim a treasure from an evil dragon. He is a very hesitant
member of a party of fourteen on a journey that proves very treacherous and
challenging. Throughout the journey, as he encounters trolls, wolves, and giant spiders, Bilbo often longs
for his comfortable chair back home and a nice meal. The group finally makes it
to the Lonely Mountain, the home of the dragon and the immense treasure, and after
seeing proof of the treasure there, they excitedly talk about all the gold and
jewels. However, the excitement is short-lived as they remember the dragon
guarding the treasure. The author Tolkien comments, “It does not do to leave a
live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”
As I am teaching this book to my 7th and 8th
grade English class, I am finding that I am very much like Bilbo Baggins. I
like comfort; I’d prefer to stay home and not engage in any adventure that
could be frightening. Yet this is where The
Hobbit ties in to real life and what the Lord has been teaching me lately. (You’ve
been wondering where this is going, right?)
There is a battle raging. There is a dragon afoot. And I can’t stay in
the comfort of my couch and a warm meal, oblivious to the battle or pretending
it doesn’t exist. I have been reminded of this as I, along with many women at Grace,
am participating in the Bible study on the Armor of God. In this study,
Priscilla Shirer is challenging us to open our eyes to the battle, to be on the
alert, and to be prepared against the enemy’s attacks. The study centers on
Ephesians 6 where the Bible tells us about this battle that we are in, against whom
we are fighting, and what we should do about it.
“Put on the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against
the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against
the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (vs. 11-12)
This is battle language; Paul is warning all believers to
stand firm and stay on the alert, realizing that our enemy, though unseen, is
very real. This enemy is Satan, along with a host of evil followers. Of the
three enemies the Bible tells us about (Satan, the world, and our flesh), Satan
is the one I overlook in my personal life. I’m very aware of the sin I battle
in the flesh as well as the world’s temptations, but I do not stay on the alert
against Satan’s tactics. Yet First Peter
tells us that he “prowls around like a
roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” This is serious. Tolkien’s
statement above applies well here: “It does not do to leave a live dragon out
of your calculations, if you live near him.”
Recently I was talking to Kelly about some fears I’d been
dealing with in my mind that had really overwhelmed me. He gently said, “Amy,
that is not God’s voice. That is the enemy; he knows where you’re weak and is
attacking you in that area.” Wow; that gave me perspective. I didn’t have to
listen to those feelings or fears; I had to fight against them with the truth
of God’s Word. Up to that point, I hadn’t seen it as a spiritual attack. Yet, I
believe that is what it was. The spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
places were battling for my mind, my thoughts, trying to get me to take my eyes
off God. We must be on the alert.
Yet, sisters, here is the good news. The best news. God has
already won this battle! The dragon knows he will not win. He will be defeated.
And in the meantime, as we live in this fallen world and must fight against
Satan and his spiritual forces, God has given us armor that works. We too can
be victorious! May we be on the alert, arm ourselves for battle, and keep our
eyes fixed on the One who always leads us triumphantly in Him.
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