The Tip of the Spear

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Powerful words - made even more powerful when you realize that they were spoken by a man who was later martyred for his faith – a man who lost his life at the end of a spear wielded by the very ones that he was trying to help.

Jim Elliot is one of my heroes. His journals (referenced in the book Shadow of the Almighty) give insight into the heart of a man who was completely committed to a cause. He knew the task would not be easy and he knew that there would be opposition. But, he was willing to face the battle in order to fulfill his part in the Great Commission. He was sure of God’s leading and protection even in those last moments when he lay dying on a beach deep in the heart of the Amazon jungle.

You see, we are all engaged in a battle. It’s usually not a physical battle like Jim faced (although it can be). Instead, it’s a spiritual battle being fought in the heavenlies. It’s a battle between good and evil – a fight for the souls of the peoples of the earth. It’s a movement to see God’s kingdom established here as it is in Heaven. And, when we push into new territory, the enemy doesn’t like it, and he pulls out the big guns to try to protect his stronghold.

Missionaries like Jim are at the frontline of this battle. They are the scouts sent out ahead to blaze the trail and break new ground. They live their lives at the tip of the spear. Not everyone is called to lead the charge, but everyone IS called to take part in the battle. We can pray – for God’s protection and for the success of their mission. We can give – to insure that they have the provision that is needed to complete their task. And, we can go – to come alongside them, even for a short time, to provide help and encouragement and to help sustain them in the fight.

Are you ready to take your place in the battle?

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms… Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." – Ephesians 6:11-12, 19-20

The following video provides some powerful commentary around what happened when Jim Elliot and his four colleagues (Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming, and Nate Saint) met the Waodani people.

Now I See It Well - God's Leading and Protection