What does "mark out two roads" teach about preparing for spiritual battles? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 21:19: “Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to come, both originating from the same land. Mark a signpost; put it at the fork in the road to the city.” Ezekiel is told to draw a literal map—two possible routes the Babylonian army could take. One led to Rabbah of the Ammonites, the other to Jerusalem. The visual acted as a warning: judgment was on the way, and the enemy’s advance was no guessing game to the Lord. The Picture of Two Roads • Two distinct paths begin at one point, but end in very different destinies. • A signpost identifies the fork, making the choice unmistakable. • The prophet knows ahead of time what the enemy will do, because God reveals it. Lessons for Spiritual Battle Preparation 1. Expect the conflict • God’s people are never to be surprised by attack. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). • Ezekiel’s map drives home the certainty of coming warfare, urging readiness rather than complacency. 2. Trust God’s foreknowledge • The Lord disclosed Babylon’s options long before the soldiers marched. He still exposes Satan’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). • Our preparation begins with confidence that nothing catches God off guard. 3. Identify the enemy’s avenues • Two roads = multiple strategies. The devil exploits different entry points: mind, emotions, relationships. • Ask, “Where am I vulnerable—which ‘road’ might he choose?” 4. Post clear signposts • God told Ezekiel to place a marker. We, too, set up reminders—Scripture verses, accountability partners, spiritual disciplines—to signal danger zones. • Proverbs 4:26: “Make a level path for your feet and take only ways that are firm.” 5. Choose the narrow road of obedience • The fork confronts every believer. Jesus spoke of a broad road to destruction and a narrow road to life (Matthew 7:13-14). • Spiritual victory depends on decisive, repeated choices to walk God’s way, not the enemy’s. 6. Arm yourself before the battle begins • Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” • Armor is donned in advance, just as Ezekiel drew the map before Babylon moved. 7. Remember divine sovereignty • Though Babylon freely chose its route, the Lord directed the outcome (Proverbs 16:9). • Assurance of God’s control fuels courage, not fatalism. Putting It All Together “Mark out two roads” teaches that spiritual battles are certain, discernible, and winnable for the prepared believer. By embracing God’s foreknowledge, pinpointing vulnerabilities, setting Scriptural signposts, and choosing the path of obedience while wearing the full armor of God, we stand ready when the enemy finally steps onto the road he has chosen. |
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