Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Samuel 18:8, ” For the battle there was scattered over the face of the whole countryside, and the woods devoured more people that day than the sword devoured. “

Background

In Return of the Jedi , the Rebel Alliance has devised a plan to destroy the Galactic Empire’s Death Star. Their plan includes using stolen codes to access and disable the Death Star’s shield generator, thereby rendering the Star vulnerable to attack from the Rebel Starfighters. The shield generator is located on the forest moon of Endor, in whose orbit the Death Star is being constructed. When the small band of fighters arrives at the generator, they are faced with the task of overcoming the Imperial troopers who are guarding it. Unfortunately, their clandestine attack is foiled, and they must chase down the troopers, who race off through the forest on their speeders for help. As the rebels give chase, weaving through the giant redwoods that cover Endor, one by one they take out the Imperial soldiers. And although one is brought down by a shot from a blaster, the remaining ones are each done in by the redwoods themselves. Zooming around and between these giant trees, ultimately their maneuvering is compromised, as influenced by the rebels, and the Imperial troopers meet their demise head-on. Generally, with soldiers and weapons all around, you wouldn’t expect something like the trees to be the most sinister of elements. But under the right circumstances, what ordinarily is harmless and natural can become an agent of destruction and calamity. The troopers sped through those woods daily, but now, being chased and hounded by the enemy, they encounter their scenic surroundings completely differently and experience failure where success had always met them.

Application

It might be your surroundings today, or your run-of-the-mill conversation. But something that is customary for you could be slightly different today. Satan may spice it up like he never has before, and the casual may become critical. To that end, stay close to Jesus. Remain humble before Him, depending always on Him. Don’t let your guard down, for your old self then becomes your only defense.

Charge

As we seek Him today, be on the lookout for the ordinary and usual to try and trip you up.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words