The Lord says: "In the spiritual realm, there's a very intense warfare happening at the moment, between angels and demons, forces of light and forces of darkness. Stand on guard therefore. Be on guard spiritually. Be vigilant. Never let the enemy deceive you or tempt you into sins or wrongdoings."
As we begin, we ask for the Lord's presence to be here. We ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to flow like a river from heaven to you (who are reading this).
I believe the Lord is not just speaking about the physical war that happens in certain parts of the world at the moment. But it's more than that. It is a spiritual war that's happening in the spiritual realm. For some of you, you may sense something is very weird in the spiritual atmosphere around you. That's because there's a very intense spiritual battle happening in the spiritual realm at the moment. But I want to assure you: Fear not! Because you are under the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ. In fact, the Bible says you are hidden in Christ!
So, what does it mean by being hidden in Christ? What is it like?
Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died (died to your old sinful self), and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.'
The word 'hidden' here is 'krupto' in Greek, and it can mean 'concealed, kept secret, under the covering'. In the context of this verse, it means you are concealed in Christ, you are kept secret in Christ, and you are under the covering in Christ! From what? From any form of evil, danger, calamity, or whatever evil plans or evil work that is happening around you or against you!
Colossians 3:1-4 (Expanded Bible) puts it this way, 'Since you were raised from the dead [raised] with Christ, aim at [aspire to; seek after; focus on] what is in heaven [the things above], where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Think only about [Set your minds on; Fix your thoughts on] the things in heaven [above], not the things on earth. Your old sinful self has died, and your new life is kept [hidden] with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, comes again [appears; is revealed], you will share in His [be revealed with Him in] glory.'
As a believer of Christ, the Bible says you are hidden from any form of wrath, judgment, danger or calamity that's happening due to the sins and disobedience of the people on this earth!
Colossians 3:5-6 (NKJV) says, 'Therefore put to death your members (i.e. 'in any area of your life') which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience...'
That is why in times like these, beloved, it's so important to continue to walk in the Spirit, so that you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Continue to be led by the Spirit of God. Continue to follow the instruction and prompting of the Holy Spirit. Continue to be open to the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit knows how to lead you, guide you, teach you, and make a way for you to safety.
Aren't you glad that He is an all-knowing God? Aren't you glad that you have the Holy Spirit living inside you? He knows how to lead you and guide you, so that you will not fall into any trap (or pitfall) of the enemy. And that's how you will be kept hidden in Christ, kept safe and kept well - until the day He brings you home, or the day of His coming! Will you believe for this? Let's take God at His Word!
In cross-reference, Isaiah 26:20 (NKJV) says, 'Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past.'
The word 'hide' here is 'chabah' in Hebrew, which speaks of 'to hide (as in the bosom)'; like a little child hiding at the bosom or in the warm embrace of the loving parent. So, 'bosom' here speaks of 'being very close (intimacy) with someone stronger and bigger.'
And who is that Someone stronger and bigger? He is the Lord! He is your hiding place! He is your refuge and shelter in times of need! And no matter what danger or trouble may come around this world, in Him you can hide!
That's why I would like to reiterate it's so important to be open to the Holy Spirit. Because Holy Spirit knows all. Holy Spirit sees further than you. And Holy Spirit knows how to prompt you, lead you, and give you the peace whether you should go ahead on something or not.
This verse in Isaiah 26:20 does not necessarily mean you always hide inside your house, and not going out at all. This verse can instead speak of 'being hidden in the Lord amidst the spiritual warfare or spiritual shaking that's happening around you in this world'.
So, beloved of God, be rest assured that 'in your going out and coming in', wherever you go and wherever you are, wherever the Lord leads you and opens the door for you, you are hidden in the Lord to keep you safe and well, no matter what happens around you in this perilous world - now and in the future. Amen!
