God Wins

Imagine the scene the night Jesus is born in Bethlehem. Two thousand years ago, the armies of God were poised and ready. They’re leaning forward, fully armed and waiting for the ultimate Commander in Chief to give the word to signal the attack. But the God of Heaven’s Armies looks at them and says, “Your combat services won’t be needed…at least not today.”

On this mission, God is gonna infiltrate the earth, and he says to his armies, “I already have all that I need. The seed was planted in a virgin nine months ago, and a baby is about to be born in an animal shelter in Bethlehem.”

Perhaps the armies can’t believe their ears. “What a strange way to save the world. This is the display of the power that the God of Heaven’s Armies has chosen?”

But what they may not realize is that at that particular moment in time, God’s power is not what is needed. God’s presence is what is needed. The enemy is strong. Rome is in power and stronger than ever. The people of God are oppressed and scared. Sin has reigned on earth since Adam and Eve, with no remedy in sight. The God of Heaven’s Armies is getting ready to fight his biggest battle, and yet he would choose to use his smallest weapon – a baby lying in a manger.

On that first Christmas night, the one who spoke the universe into existence decided to set aside his strength and show us his love instead. When God commands his angel armies, they don’t come down and wage war. They don’t fight. They don’t kill. Instead, they announce the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds in a field nearby, fulfilling the prophecy found in Isaiah chapter 9…

6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the LORD of Armies will accomplish this.

God was at his strongest when he appeared to be at his weakest, as a helpless baby in a manger. All of heaven’s armies announce it loud and proud because this baby will grow up and through his perfect life and his atoning death on the cross, he will pay for all of our sins, for those who put their trust in him.

So, even though the obstacles may seem huge to you and you may feel inadequate, remember this: The battle is the Lord’s. God has won. God still wins. And God will win.