Battle over souls

Jesus came to earth to fight one battle.  The battle for men's souls!  He came to establish a heavenly kingdom in men's hearts.  The Jews were looking for a Messiah to establish an earthly Kingdom and freedom from Roman oppression, but the main battle, even in Jewish history, was a battle for the hearts of God's people; people who would fear the Lord and worship Him alone. 

Throughout their history, the Jewish nation, who was called out to be God's people, swayed back and forth between worship of God and worship of Baal. Even in the wilderness, satan told Jesus to bow down and worship him, stupidly offering Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He would.  An earthly Kingdom with riches and success was nothing compared to the Heavenly Kingdom that would touch and change hearts and reconcile sinners with a Holy Father.  Listen to the Father's lament over His people:-

Is 63:8-9 He said, "They are my very own people.  Surely they will not be false again."  And He became their Saviour.  In all their suffering, he also suffered, and he personally rescued them.  In His love and mercy He redeemed them.  He lifted them up and carried them through all the years."

Roman oppression was nothing compared to the oppression in satan's kingdom.  Hate, lies, envy, unforgiveness, self-centred living and bitterness of soul are hard task masters robbing those caught in the trap with a loss of joy and peace and hurting others in the wake.

Throughout Jewish history, men with a heart after God, had a showdown with the powers of darkness and encouraged the nation to turn back to God.  The most significant confrontation is the story of Elijah on top of Mount Carmel.

1Ki 18:21  And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word.

We know the story well.  God showed Himself strong burning up the bull sacrifice on the altar well and truly sodden whereas the prophets of Baal had worn themselves out calling upon their "god" to show up.  Elijah even mocked them to call out louder in case Baal had gone on holiday, was deaf or relieving himself.  What a picture of those caught in satan's kingdom.  Weary, heavy laden and lacking the peace of those who trust in God when storms come out of left field.  A picture of those who have to drive themselves hard for wealth and success, always wanting more and trying to prove themselves to others all because they can't find their contentment in Christ. 

Through the cross, Christ paid for and won the hearts of people.  With the power of the Holy Spirit now in us, we have died to sin and are alive to Christ.

Rom 6:11  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death

1Co 15:22  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

Eph 2:1  And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.

Eph 2:5  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).

What good news.  And even better news, Jesus is coming back and will establish a glorious earthly Kingdom too where people will willingly give their allegiance to Him.

Rev 21:4  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."