An Invitation to the front line

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Judges 14v1- 4

Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a Philistine woman; he told his parents that he wanted her for his wife. Must you go to the uncircumcised for a wife? But Samson replied, “I want her, she’s the right one for me”. But his parents did not know that this was from the Lord, Who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines, for they were ruling over Israel.

1 John 3v8
The devil has always been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to Destroy the devil’s work.

Ephesians 6v10- 12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our “Struggle” (wrestle is a better meaning) is against rulers, against powers of this dark world.

These verses give us a clear picture of warfare. Two Kingdoms contesting against each other. We all have a choice to chose to engage in this fight or not. Our position is to stand in God and his grace and be led by His spirit into this battle. If I’m attacked by fear or intimidation will my response be one of retreat or to draw from his life and wisdom and stand and speak against it. Father wants us to be free from fear and to move with one another in holy Boldness and to speak of God with zeal the rhema’s (the now word of God) of God into situations and people’s lives. This will affect how we live and our behaviour. One day I had a picture, actually it was more like a video being played to me. I saw it as an invitation to join with him and his saints to the front line.


The “Video”

I was standing in the sand dunes looking out to the sea. The sea breeze is blowing in my face. I tell the person standing slightly behind me “I just love the South Coast of England”. I take a deep breath and fill my chest with fresh air and join my hands behind my back. Suddenly I hear a voice to my right. I look over and see lots of men marching towards me in a ong single line. “Ahh Leaders! “ I said, and a voice asked “Are you Sure?”.

“Yes” I replied “ I can tell”. They reminded me of a scene from Zulu, staring Michael Caine as a British Officer leading his troops, stiff upper lip, cool as ice, under intense pressure. “Yes, I’m sure they’re leaders” Nodding my head as they marched towards me. Leaders going to the front line no doubt.


“John, They’re not marching to the front line that’s in the opposite direction. The front line is the last place they want to go!”

I was both surprised and confused, why are they not going to the front line? That’s why they are leaders. I insistend! As they were walking past I noticed two things, firstly their hands were very clean, even their nails look manicured. Then I noticed a thin cord holding their wrists together. Unable to contain my feelings I said “Why are their hands so clean and who has bound them?”

“John, There’s a consequence to all our choices.” Said the voice
“ But this is wrong!” I said
“You think so?” replied the voice
“Yes I do” realising how angry I was getting. “These men should be on the front line”.
“Are you Sure?” asked the voice
“Yes, Getting their hand dirty in battle”.
“Well John, why are your hands clean? And why are your hands behind your back?”

Father is very gracious to us and constantly encourages us to do deeper. Both in terms of relationship and action. After this experience I prayed a simple prayer, asking Father to move me into a place where the two Kingdoms meet. The front line. Within a week my prayer was dramatically answered!. I’ll share what happened another time but why don’t we pray that same prayer whether you are young or old it doesn’t matter.

“Father, thank you for your Son Jesus, who lived his life on the front line. Seeing people released and set free, bringing joy to multitudes. Lord, enable us to share in that position and ministry, Amen”