In our last blog about the covenant, we looked at the exchange of robes and belts to signify the God of the universe exchanging identity and strength with us. I suppose that if that were the end of the rites in the process it would be enough. However, there is so much more than the two steps we have covered.
The third step in the covenant making ceremony is the exchange of weapons. That represents the exchange of enemies. Now maybe you are thinking you don’t have any MAJOR enemies. Not the people who irritate or bug us. Not the spouses who may have walked away. Not the kids who may be rebellious. Not the bosses who may have mistreated or fired us. But enemies. As in a war? Yes. We have one that belongs to all of us that Jesus took on for every person who receives the work of the cross. That enemy is DEATH.
Death is the number one enemy of humanity. We know that we can never compete with it. It is coming to each of us some day. So how is it that Christ took on that enemy for us? Does it mean we never die? Exactly. That is what it means my friend. Now before you write in telling me I need counseling, let me explain. We all will physically die someday. This body is just a container for us while we are alive. I must admit my “container” has seen better days. But if I have invited Christ to live in the Spirit part of me that means that part of me will not die. Not ever. It will go on to live forever.
I Corinthians 15:55 says it well in speaking about the enemy of death being defeated by Jesus, our covenant partner. It says, “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?” (NIV) Done and done.
But wait a minute. If the third step is exchanging enemies, what enemy have we taken on of God’s? I really don’t imagine our all powerful Jesus as having enemies. But He does. Satan is His enemy. What actual weapons do we take on for Him? Let’s see how God provides for the exchange of weapons so we can overcome His enemy. It is found in Ephesians 6:111 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (NIV) Apparently, we do have some armor to put on. Make sure to read vs. 12-16 to take in the whole passage.
I find it ludicrous that we would actually “take on” satan. We can’t. Not alone anyway. However, we are instructed in the whole context of God’s word that by adding the power of Christ, our covenant partner, we can exchange weapons and put on this armor the Bible speaks about. This, in covenant language, symbolizes the exchange of enemies.
How is the enemy of God manifesting himself in your life situations? If you have Christ in your spirit you are equipped to speak against him. And the biggest deal in the world is that you can’t die in the process. Never.
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