Revelation 12:7

War will always rage between the two great sovereignties until one or the other is crushed. Peace between good and evil is an impossibility; the very pretense of it would, in fact, be the triumph of the powers of darkness. Michael will always fight; his holy soul is vexed with sin and will not endure it. Jesus will always be the dragon’s foe, and that not in a quiet sense, but actively, vigorously, with full determination to exterminate evil.

All his servants, whether angels in heaven or messengers on earth, will and must fight. They are born to be warriors. At the cross, they enter into a covenant never to make a truce with evil. They are a warlike company, firm in defense and fierce in attack. The duty of every soldier in the army of the Lord is daily, with all his heart, and soul, and strength, to fight against the dragon.

The dragon and his angels will not decline the conflict; they are incessant in their onslaughts, sparing no weapon, fair or foul. We are foolish to expect to serve God without opposition: the more zealous we are, the more sure we are to be assailed by the myrmidons of hell. The church may become slothful, but not so her great antagonist; his restless spirit never allows the war to pause; he hates the woman’s seed and would gladly devour the church if he could. The servants of Satan share much of the old dragon’s energy and are usually an active group. War rages all around, and to dream of peace is dangerous and futile.

Glory be to God, we know the end of the war. The great dragon will be cast out and forever destroyed, while Jesus and those who are with him will receive the crown. Let us sharpen our swords tonight and pray the Holy Spirit to strengthen our arms for the conflict. Never battle so important, never crown so glorious. Every man to his post, you warriors of the cross, and may the Lord tread Satan under your feet shortly!