“I don’t need a ride. I need more ammunition.”
With these words, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned down the offer by the United States government to be evacuated from his country in the initial days of a Russian invasion. Rather than retreat to a life of comfort and safety, he chose to risk his life for the sake of his people.
Zelenskyy’s bravery and fortitude was a rallying cry for Ukrainians who were already in safety in Poland to advance toward danger by leaving Poland and joining the fight. Heartbreaking images hit the news of men saying goodbye to their wives and children as they turned to enter the fight. The courage of the Ukrainians was evident to people all over the world. These actions may lead to their death, but they will forever be known as a people of courage who did not back down.
We are in a war.
Jesus’ followers are in a war for the souls of mankind. It is a vicious fight. It has been a war raging since the garden. The enemy is brutal and wants every man, woman, and child to be separated from a loving God who laid down His life for them. He will use deception, lies, and brute force to do whatever is necessary to lure mankind into sin and away from Jesus. The enemy will do whatever it takes to strike fear into the hearts of Jesus’ followers to not engage the fight, evacuate, and retreat.
The enemy will also use the luxuries of a comfortable life to keep us from getting in the fight. His greatest strategy is to keep the church silent about the gospel.
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
“… And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:16, 18).
Gates are meant to defend and keep the enemy out. The Christian life is not on the defensive, reacting to the attacks of the enemy — but rather on the offensive, breaking through the gates and barriers that the enemy has attempted to shackle the lost. It is an army that is moving toward the fight, not running away from it.
Does the comfortable life keep you from rising from the recliner and getting in the fight? Has the enemy instilled fear in you that keeps you from sharing the gospel? Are your children and grandchildren worth fighting for?
There are thousands of Ukrainian believers and churches today praying in the middle of battle from decades of Southern Baptist missionary-sending to plant churches and share the gospel.
The gospel is your ammunition. Lock and load. It’s time to join in the fight.
The enemy has already been defeated. The tomb is empty! Let’s go!