In Australia and New Zealand the war dead are remembered on Anzac Day, April 25. ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that landed on the morning of that date on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915 during the First World War. Anzac Day calls to mind more than just the events in WWI, it is a time to remember all who have sacrificed their lives in war. The number of those who have died on the field of battle throughout man’s history is staggering. In World War II alone, the worldwide death toll numbered nearly 54 million.
War did not originate with human beings. It began with the thought of a heavenly being. Ezekiel 28:12-15 describes this creature. The king of Tyre in this chapter is a created cherub with access to God’s throne. In time, pride, arrogance and selfishness caused this cherub, now known as Satan, and one third of the entire angelic host to mount a war against their Creator (Isaiah 14:12-15). Satan came to the conclusion that he deserved to sit upon God’s throne, and he sought to overthrow Him in a violent coup.
Revelation 12:7-9 gives us more insight into this heavenly conflict. “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
When he was cast down to earth Satan introduced war to humanity on every level, beginning with Cain murdering his brother in a fit of jealousy (Genesis 4:1-8). The violent path chosen by Cain is the path humanity has followed ever since. Throughout the world, we find regional and ethnic groups, competing religions and power blocs all willing to battle for their cause. Ultimately, humanity finds war an easy choice. It is not the way God originally designed things, but it is the way the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).
When we, as Christians, commit our lives to God, we are doing our part in defence of a spiritual nation, God’s future Kingdom (John 18:36). With Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection at Passover, and the gift of God’s Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost in 31 A.D., God began to work with a new nation, that was no longer physical, but spiritual. As we battle the pain and difficulties we encounter in our temporary, physical lives, we should not forget the spiritual warfare we are involved in has eternal consequences, and that we are battling an enemy that never gets tired and never gives up.
Revelation 12:17 describes the dragon (Satan) waging war against those who “keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the testimony of Jesus”. The Apostle Paul warned the Christians in Ephesus: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV).
When Jesus Christ returns to this earth He will usher in a time of peace. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end….” (Isaiah 9:6-7).
As we contemplate those who have fought and lost their lives in war, we should remember even though we fight in different theatres of war, ours being spiritual, we can still admire the courage, self-discipline, strength, and sacrifice it took to go into battle to defend our country. It should stir in us the diligence to prepare ourselves for the spiritual battles we have to face in this life as we strive to stay faithful to God.
