PSALM 94:16-19
The psalmist asks, “Who will rise up for me against the wicked?” The spiritual battle is fierce; the outcome seems to be uncertain. Often it seems the whole world itself has risen up against the Lord and all believers: “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.” (Psalm 2:2) The shining city on a hill is under siege and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
Without the strong but gentle hand of God, our footing will be unsure, and the anxiety of war, near and far, will always threaten us. It is the Holy Spirit that supports us in this fierce conflict. Otherwise, it is inevitable that the world we live in will “become like Sodom and like Gomorrah.” (Romans 9:29)
Jesus prophesized that there would be “wars and rumors of wars” and that “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” and there will be deception, confusion, and suffering. (Matthew 24:4–8) How perfectly this describes the world we live in today. But Jesus also said that, despite appearances, the battle will be won and that “he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Mathew 24:13) And then He says this to encourage those who are weary and discouraged: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
—Eric Kampmann, Signposts