Rules of Engagement
We're in a war. This isn't a playground.
And it is the very essence of Christianity to face suffering and death not because they are good, not because they have meaning, but because the Resurrection of Jesus has robbed them of their meaning.1
— Thomas Merton
Imagine you are Satan, cast out of heaven, now engaged in a spiritual war that has gone on for centuries. There are prophecies about a Messiah that you know all about and when the time comes you are ready for the birth of Jesus. All your forces are bent on stopping this man from Galilee.
But there are some peculiar things about this opponent: he’s not a general or a warrior, he’s a carpenter. He talks about peace and love, though there is a story where he uses a whip in the temple. He hangs out with regular people, fishermen, women and tax collectors, but attacks the religious establishment.
He is, however, the prophesied one and you know this and decide he must be killed to thwart whatever plans God may have for him.
It’s a bold move, this man’s popularity is rising with the common people, but if you can kill him before the major damage is done, you’ll win. Game over.
Your plan works perfectly, almost too perfectly. God seemed not to realize what you were doing and by the time He did, it was too late. Christ was being wrapped in a shroud and buried in a tomb.
You celebrate! You’ve won. You’ve won!
But wait. You hear rumors now. It can’t be true. It just cannot be true! Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.
That’s not fair! Once dead always dead. Those are the rules. No one rises from the dead.
And then you remember. Why didn’t you see the clue? Christ brought Lazarus back from the dead. It was right in front of your face and you missed it. You played right into God’s hands.
But now you have another plan.
You confront the Archangel, Michael. “That’s not fair!” you say. “I won. God can’t just change the rules. Once dead, always dead! I won! He’s breaking the rules!”
Michael speaks sternly to God’s rebellious creation: “You’re evil. You don’t set the rules of engagement, God does. Your rules don’t deserve to be followed. Now begone!”
Notes
Merton, Thomas. No Man Is An Island, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Publishers, San Diego, New York, London, 1983. p. 79.
In support of your great post....
After being bounced around quite badly by the catholics and then the protestants of various kinds, I tried to forget about God. It's not easy to get rid of God... I could feel a loving Personality wooing me back. With a fair bit of reluctance, I started over...
I decided to erase everything and start over with the Bible and the Holy Spirit as Teacher. I needed to prove these things one way or another.
First question: Is the devil real? (I didn't want him to be) That was answered with some quite frightening experiences a few wks later.
Dealing directly with the Almighty was key...and real.
Some months later, I was leading a small Bible study for troubled kids in my living room. Easter was approaching... As I read aloud the scriptures about the Resurrection, I suddenly felt invisible hands around my neck trying to choke me! The malicious, desperate, hateful hands tightened. They wanted me dead! It was THEN that I KNEW the reality of the Gospel.
Love the Merton quote!