Conquered: Willingly or Unwillingly?
The end of a great conflict brings joy. You have seen the videos of the allied forces entering cities and towns after driving out the Germans and their Nazi regime. The people are cheering and dancing! They are waving American flags and trying to hug their liberators.
The Nazis had bullied their way into their lives leaving them decimated, conquering their spirits and their possessions. However, the actions of the liberators conquered their hearts! They willingly offered themselves and their possessions because of their great joy!
The same theme repeated itself as the German concentration camps were liberated. The prisoners were certainly grateful but because of their weakened condition were not able to be as visibly appreciative for their release. They had been conquered by an enemy and freed by a friend.
Spiritually-speaking, we have been conquered by an enemy. He has stalked us. “…your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5:8). He has been successful in his hunts. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).
This wicked captor knows he is not really free as he continues his hunting. He knows his time is coming. He knows his final defeat is certain. Even his minions are convinced. “…Even the demons believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19).
The conquering hero in the play of history will ride onto the scene suddenly. His arrival will be signaled by a loud blast of a trumpet, a shout, and the voice of the archangel (I Thessalonians 4:16). He will ride the clouds of His heavens to appear before the entire population where “…every eye will see Him…” (Revelation 1:7).
His final mission will be to retrieve those who had been conquered by the satanic enemy but who had become conquerors themselves through the relationship they had with Him. He will release finally the conquered turned conquerors to their eternal reward.
Paul recorded these words as the final account of the history of the world. “…and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from t he presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.” (II Thessalonians 1:7-10).
Oh what a day that will be!
-Mike Johnson
