We marvel at stories with two characters who are total opposites of each other. This is why so many stories feature some form of a noble hero and an immoral villain. The contrast of character and conduct is what drives the tension of the story.
In Genesis 14, we find two completely opposite kings: the king of Sodom and the king of Salem. One sought to get; the other sought to give. One sought to curse; the other sought to bless. One sought to take life; the other sought to give life.
These two rulers illustrate the spirit of the world and the Spirit of God, two forces actively at work in our world and in our lives.
This is why Paul reminded us in Ephesians 6 to put on the full armor of God. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand” (Eph. 6:12-13).
We live in the middle of a real fight between two opposing forces seeking to own our hearts. One, the evil spirit in our present world, like the king of Sodom seeks to take from us and generate chaos and confusion. The other, the Spirit of the living God, like the King of Salem seeks to give life and bring peace and joy.
In our present world, we must recognize that this battle goes on inside of every believer. And we must put on the full armor of God daily that we might withstand the attack of the evil one and faithfully commit to full submission to the Spirit of God. It’s not enough that we deny the evil one; we must say “yes” to God.
This battle is real and raging. And the people of God must fight with great resolve to ensure our allegiance remains to the only good King, the Lord.
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