Spiritual Warfare in Concert

I believe Worship is the most effective form of spiritual warfare.  What follows is the capstone piece of our program notes for tomorrow's concert.  I'm praying that those who attend the concert will be changed by what the words and music they hear.  Will you pray with me?

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In Joshua chapter 6, we watch the army of Israel preceded by the Ark of God, which itself is preceded by 7 priests blowing 7 trumpets.  In this case worship IS the warfare and is leading the very symbol of the manifest presence of God.  As you know, the Israelites are instructed to remain completely silent as they march around the city once each day for 6 days.  On the 7th day they march around 7 times in complete silence with tension constantly building until finally the trumpets blow and they let out a terrifying shout.  I believe this was an energetic shout of praise to the Lord!

Also take for example King Jehoshaphat and the army of Judah who faced impossible odds against the combined forces of Moab and Ammon.  Instead of wallowing in fear, King Jehoshaphat placed his faith in the Lord of Hosts and encouraged his army to do the same. Then the Bible says that:

After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:

“Give thanks to the Lord,
    for his love endures forever.”

As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

So why all this talk about spiritual warfare before a song asking for peace?  Truly, the words “Dona Nobis Pacem” are Latin for “Grant us Peace.”  However peace is also mentioned in one of the greatest passages on spiritual warfare written by Paul to the Ephesians.  In discussing the “full armor of God” Paul says,

Stand firm then [...] with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

The Gospel that gives us peace with God is the firm footing which allows us to fight spiritually.  It is what allows us to praise Him and abandon our own self interests and desires and instead to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” knowing that He truly desires what is best for us.

Let me encourage you tonight to ask God for that peace which comes from His Son.  As we sing the words “Dona Nobis Pacem” would you say them in your heart with us? And I also invite you to sing or hum along out loud if you know the song.  God will provide you with that peace through His Son Who loves you more than any other person who has ever lived, ever could.