On the Battlefield: Election Night 2020 by Brandi J. W. Ray

 On the Battlefield: Election Night 2020

By: Brandi J.W. Ray 

The only Kanye I acknowledge is the one that said, "God show me the way cause the devil's tryna' break me down. The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now – for we living in Hell here, hell yeah."

     November 9th, 2016, I put on my all black to match the rainy, dreary day that lied ahead. I had never come so close to feeling death before. As the early steam of votes stormed in on the night of November 3rd, 2020, my spirit cringed at the idea of feeling that slow death all over again. How could this nation bring us so close to allowing 45 another term? I fought my inner self from asking this question, but I had to, "God, why have you forsaken me?"

             Forsaken: abandoned or deserted.

For four years, we've lived in this wilderness dodging death – spiritual, physical, mental death. 

Death:

• when we're killed at the hands of the hands of racism and even self-hatred
• when murderers don't get charged, convicted, or even fired from their jobs
• when families are separated and locked in cages
• when people title free healthcare as socialism
• when the face of our governing body can tell violent supremacists to "stand back and stand by"
• when 237, 542 Americans have died from a "hoax" virus
• when the list of when can take up the entire blog
• when somebody gotta remind this nigga Kanye who Kanye West is

 "For we living in Hell here, hell yeah."

         Early October, my husband and I needed a new show to binge-watch so, we finally glued into the show, Lucifer. Oddly enough, we like it. The beauty of the show is how common they make the character Lucifer. Lucifer is wealthy, attractive, and inconspicuous – blending in with the common man. He is a business owner, he infiltrates the police force, has a knack and talent for music and, circles himself with the LA crowds. He embodies the "make a deal with the devil" character. Lives the life that many of us desire and acts just like the company we want to keep. The irony that even when Lucifer shows his powers and schemes, announces and declares himself as the guardian of Hell's gates – the people can't acknowledge or believe it. They need more proof; he doesn't look like how the media paints him – the red demon, with horns and a pitchfork. Makes you think – would we even believe Christ when He comes?

Throughout the show, Lucifer wrestles with his siblings (angels and archangels) and even God. Some coming into human form to get Lucifer to return back to his rightful duty – the god of the wicked. However, Lucifer is determined to stay on this Earth (part reason because of his love interest, Chloe) but because he loves humans' ignorance. He even questions the Christians about their knowledge of the word yet their inability to recognize him for who he really is – the devil. In his wrestles with his siblings, you often see humans go about their day as the angels freeze time and fight amongst them – you see what we deem as mere "coincidences" are actual schemes concocted by archangels and demons to alter our fate. My favorite scene? When Uriel (archangel and Lucifer's brother) moves a skateboard an inch from its initial position – moments later, a dog runs out and causes a not so accidental car accident. Is it just creative imagination for TV or the word of God on your TV screen?

Ephesians 6:12 – our struggle is not with flesh and blood (one another), but against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world (Lucifer and his cronies) and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (God and His army of angels).

When John indicated in 1 John 2:18 that the hour has come – he meant that the time of war outside of our scope and view is upon us. We live in a state of spiritual warfare where the powers that be; have infiltrated our fellow man, walks directly amongst us, and the gates of hell are flooding open right on this soil, this American soil. The 45th administration did not start but exposed us to the realities Christ shared directly with His disciples: there is a battle for the throne, a draft for both armies and sides, and if we are not on guard, we will be collateral damage. Yet, there is a glory and peace in knowing that the battle is already won, our souls are already claimed – as long as our allegiance to Him is steadfast. 

The weight of our world can feel like we’re continually standing directly in the eye of a hurricane – this year alone can have you caught up feeling like the devil himself is trying to break specifically you down, praying that your feet will fail you now. Don’t let your feet fail you now.

After Christ’s departure, the apostles spent their time both warning and preparing all of us for the hour until His return. Paul specifically reminding us in Ephesians of how to walk into combat. While this battle is in the spiritual realm, as the show Lucifer displays, the spiritual realm can leave its post and has. We are neither forsaken nor defenseless: we are at war yet heavily armed. The hour is now.

 

Ephesians 6:14-17

 

Paul's usage of armor is symbolic for the church at Ephesus because the Roman Empire was persecuting believers for their faith. The Roman soldiers' imagery puts into perspective for the Ephesians how important it is for the Christians to fend for oneself under such circumstances. 

·       6:14 – The sturdy belt of truth: The belt was an integral part of the armor as it held together the uniform. A fastened belt demonstrated a soldier ready for battle, while a slackened belt meant a soldier was off duty. For four years, we've watched how lies can sound good, can easily be shared, and are used to attack both faith and trust in the word of God. But, fasten your belt, stay alert; the truth of God is the belt that keeps our Christian uniform together.

·       The body armor of God's righteousness: The armor was either chained, or leather plated that protected the soldier's vital organs – covering the front and the back. Righteousness is our greatest defense to protect what's most vital: the core essence of our allegiance to God. It is through this relationship with God that we are covered and identified as His. 

·       6:15 – feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace: The Roman soldiers wore sandals that offered agility, endurance, and the strength to stand firmly in the sand. We can stand firmly against any attack with the presence of God's peace and to defend ourselves by throwing that same peace back to our adversary. 

·       6:16 – The shield of faith: The shield was an additional protection for the soldiers that was able to extinguish flying flames often used in attacks of war. As our opponents throw flames of temptation, deception, and lies, we can pick up our shield of faith in God which, will fight our gullibility, weariness and, fear. 

·       6:17 – The helmet of salvation: Typically, the helmets were made of bronze or brass, making it difficult for a sword to penetrate. A soldier without a helmet is most certainly doomed for death, just as a Christian without their mindset on salvation will meet the same fate. The promise of our salvation is already consummated, and with the victory of this war, it will be materialized. 

·       The sword of the spirit: The Romans were known for their cut and thrust strategy, which came in the form of a double-edged short sword. The blade was quickly used in combat, which would penetrate an adversary. As the sword is our only form of offensive weaponry, it should remind us that the word of God is active and readily practical for use. In battle, this sword will penetrate our enemy and weaken and thwart its attacks. 

It was us that won this battle – the ones that walk with Jesus. The ones who suited up for war on November 9th, 2016, and remained on the battlefield for November 3rd, 2020. It is us that can’t put down our armor, us that will grow weary but must remember to put on our shoes, stand firm, and make use of our sword. The battle of election night was won (seemingly), but the war still goes on.

May you remember some of Paul’s final words in Ephesians: stay alert and keep on praying.

Be kind to yourself,

Mrs. Brandi J.W. Ray

 

Twitter/Instagram: @ThatsMrsRay2You

Facebook: Brandi Janay Ray