February 5: WAR!
Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. Revelation 11:19
John the Revelator saw the magnificent reality of the ark of [God’s] covenant in heaven, the very throne of Almighty God. In the earthly tabernacle, the ark had served as a powerful symbol of God’s presence with His people. It brought comfort and a sure reminder of divine power at work among men to guide and instruct them. We should still be comforted today. Our Heavenly Father is unchanging, and He is committed to accomplish His purposes in the lives of His beloved creatures.
The Holy Spirit-inspired use of sanctuary language is accompanied by military language. We are in a war! While our Commander in Chief is infinitely more powerful than the enemy, we must understand that humans are no match. Not even close. It is only under the headship of Jesus that any of us are enabled to gain real, lasting victory.
Having deceived one-third of the angels, Satan and his army are now quarantined on the earth. Jesus withstood his crafty temptations in the wilderness by wielding the double-edged sword, also known as the written word. With such an Example, it is tragic that our enemy is not met with greater resistance among humans. It is evident that the soldiers of Christ are sleepy and indifferent. Because sin is not viewed as repulsive and deadly, there is a lack of decisive determination to resist it.
The devil delights in our ignorance of the exceedingly evil and malignant nature of sin. He also delights in the fact that many professed followers of Christ ignore his very existence or have a weak, cartoonish concept of him. “They do not know that their enemy is a mighty general who controls the minds of evil angels, and that with well-matured plans and skillful movements he is warring against Christ to prevent the salvation of souls.”*
John’s sighting of the ark of [the] covenant in heaven should be understood—even more so than the earthly copy of the past—as a comfort and a sure reminder that our God is on His throne, seated upon His perfect and unchanging law. Although our enemy has worked through deceived men with the intention to alter it, we need not be fooled. And what are the intended changes? The second commandment (regarding idolatry) is deleted, which makes the fourth the third. While the true fourth commandment is the longest, it is shortened to only eight words in its new third spot. The tenth commandment is split into two to make up for the deleted second commandment. Is that confusing? Many have accepted these changes or are unaware. The intent is to condition us to accept confusion while slipping in falsehoods regarding the character of God.
He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Daniel 7:25a
*THE GREAT CONTROVERSY by E.G.White, p.508