If we describe Jesus as a one-man army, we will be right. He did not require any external input to silence the storms, cast out legions of demons, or feed the multitude. In our previous meditation, we described God’s people as an army. We will do well by paying attention to how Jesus routed the adversary. What Jesus had going for Him all through His earthly ministry was the ability to connect with the sights and sounds of heaven. The text before us captures His immediate experience after baptism. As He stepped out of the water, “He saw the heavens parting” (sight of heaven), then “a voice came from heaven” (sound of heaven). Further into His ministry, He took Peter, James, and John into the mountain where He was transfigured. There again the sights and sounds of heaven were manifest. The voice of the Father on the mountain reinforced what was told Him at Jordan in the beginning.
” Sights and sounds of heaven will expose the enemy’s game plan…Unless we also enjoy this, the enemy will gain advantage and outwit us.”
No modern army can win any battle without effective audio and video equipment. If the army of God will also do exploits here on earth, we will need the sights and sounds of heaven. What that does is to bring us reassurance as we progress on the pilgrim’s path. It is all too easy to be confused in the cacophony of life. Unless something supernatural occurs at intervals we risk losing our bearing. Sights and sounds of heaven will expose the enemy’s game plan. Elisha constantly read the battle plan of the king of Syria. Every move the Syrians made was revealed to him through heaven’s audio-visual arrangements. Unless we also enjoy this, the enemy will gain advantage and outwit us.