Our God will fight for us
August 18th, 2024 – Communion Meditation
For our Communion Meditation today, I want to invite us to consider times or situations in which we are tempted to fight. Maybe we’re tempted to fight for a sense of control over some part of our lives, to bring some peace to the chaos or to try and hold things together. We might want to fight for someone we love by advocating for them in some way. We may feel like fighting to defend ourselves. Maybe we feel we’re treated worse than we deserve and put up a fight in an attempt to gain more respect. Perhaps we are most tempted to fight when we’re angry. Our fight might rise up inside of us when our voice isn’t heard, or when we feel misunderstood.
Jesus understands every one of these situations, as the writer of Hebrews tells us. He was tempted in every way, just as we are; yet he did not sin. And so, we look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, when we are tempted to fight against someone or something. Not all fighting is bad; not all fighting is good. Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Let us consider Jesus, so that we may not grow weary or lose heart.
I’ve experienced some pretty distressing times in recent weeks. I’ve been shocked and heartbroken by significant betrayal. Seven members of my extended family experienced some kind of medical emergency. And yet during some of these most distressing times, I’ve also experienced a deep and abiding peace and assurance that is explainable only as the very presence of God. God, our God, the great I Am, Emmanuel, the God who is with us is present, right here, right now, even in the middle of our most distressing seasons. In the middle of my distress, God reminded me of two beautiful and comforting words originally spoken to God’s people in seemingly impossible situations.
Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.”
Nehemiah 4:20b – “Our God will fight for us.”
What are you facing today that is causing you distress? The Lord will fight for you. You have only to keep still. Our God will fight for us.
On the night that Jesus was betrayed, he took the bread and said, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Eat together) Again, Jesus took the cup and said, “This is my blood of the new covenant poured out for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Drink together)
