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In the heart of a small town, I grew up in a home that radiated the serenity of a small rural community of 1970’s America. At the end of our road, our house stood, embraced by lush woods and peaceful lakes. Those were days of carefree exploration, of pedaling bikes and revving motorcycles through nature's embrace in our little neighborhood.
Yet, in this peaceful setting, there lurked a formidable presence: a fearsome German Shepherd. This guardian of its domain would emerge with a fury whenever I dared to tread nearby on my bike or motorcycle. Its fierce pursuit, teeth bared towards my leg, turned each passing into a heart-racing escape for my life.
Amid this ongoing struggle, inspiration struck. My own gentle giant, Bruiser, a Great Dane with grey and black spots, was my unutilized ally. His formidable stature contradicted his kind soul, always thrilled to join my motorcycle outings. My hesitation had been for his safety, fearing the risks of the road.
But the day came when resolve overtook caution. I invited Bruiser for a singular journey around the block. As we neared the German Shepherd's realm, I accelerated, seeking to shield Bruiser from my adversary's view. The plan was flawless: the Shepherd, unaware of Bruiser, launched its usual chase.
In the critical moment, as the Shepherd neared triumph, I decelerated. Its anticipation peaked, unaware of the surprise it was about to encounter. In a spectacular display, Bruiser intervened with a masterful T-bone collision. The Shepherd, taken aback by this unforeseen defender, beat a hasty retreat, its dominance overturned.
The Shift in the Balance of Power
Following that defining encounter, the dynamics in our neighborhood landscape transformed. The once-dominant German Shepherd, upon sensing my approach, would now retreat in haste, its tucked-tail a clear signal of its newfound apprehension. Glancing back nervously as it sought refuge, the dog's behavior was a stark contrast to its former bravado. So, what brought about this change? It was the dual forces of victory and defeat.
In its defeat, the German Shepherd's demeanor towards me altered significantly. No longer did it attempt to assert dominance in its territory upon my arrival. Instead, there was a clear association formed in its mind: my presence now echoed the power and authority of Bruiser. The outcome? The only change was in the perception shaped by Bruiser's triumph and the Shepherd's defeat. The dog's capability to attack remained unaltered, but the reality of its defeat against Bruiser's victory had reshaped its behavior entirely.
Liberation Through the King's Victory
With this shift in power, my world transformed. I could now freely cycle or ride my motorcycle past the German Shepherd's domain, unthreatened and at peace. The dog remained, but its spirit was subdued, a symbol of defeat.
This experience mirrors a profound spiritual truth. Like the subdued German Shepherd, when we align ourselves with the power and authority of Jesus, the realities of Satan, our flesh, and the world persist. Yet, they stand as defeated adversaries. Through the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of King Jesus, these forces are decisively conquered.
Living under the reign of Jesus' Kingdom means existing in a state of triumphant freedom. Our enemies, though present, are rendered powerless. In His victorious rule, we walk in liberty and victory, liberated from the fears and threats that once loomed large. It's a testament to the transformative power of dwelling under the sovereign protection of our King.
The Key to Overcoming Fear
This brings us to an essential realization: as long as I ventured out without Bruiser, fear of the German Shepherd shadowed me. It was only in my association with Bruiser that the Shepherd's threat was neutralized. This poses a significant spiritual question: Are you identified by your position in Christ Jesus?
Navigating life on the basis of our own power, strength, and cleverness leaves us vulnerable to spiritual assaults. Without grounding our identity in Christ Jesus, we exist in a state of fear and weakness. It’s akin to facing the world without our own 'Bruiser'—our spiritual guardian and strength.
Being identified with Christ is the game-changer. Just as my association with Bruiser transformed my interactions with the German Shepherd, being positioned in Christ alters our spiritual battles. In Christ, we find not just a defender but an overwhelming victory over our adversaries. Without this identity in Him, we are like lone travelers, susceptible to every threat. But in Christ, we live the triumph and fearlessness of His Kingdom authority rule over all our adversaries.