“Host And Guest” (Rom.8:28, 35; Ps.2; Lk.10:29; Matt.18:3) [Reflections on Ralph D. Sawyer's Translation of One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies - Battle Tactics of Chinese Warfare #17-18]

A dance occurs with host and guest, times two for heavy, light; is
Supply, of course, is major point in prepping for the fight;
If lines are cut and no supplies remain within the land,
Invaders have a problem then, which all can understand.

Psychology is part as well, for borderlands are “Light”
To guests; “Dispersive” to the hosts – a problem in a fight;
Invaders’ task is “Entering”, not “Fighting tooth and nail”;
While hosts would rather wander off than see their side prevail.

There’s more intensity for both once penetration’s deep,
So pulling back and strengthening suits hosts, who victory seek;
While cutting off supplies helps out, provoking an attack,
Is premature for hosts because conditions prime they lack.

The guests, meanwhile use ambushes, and raids to boost morale –
“It’s easy”, is the message back to less aggressive pals;
That lets them penetrate in depth, make unit’s feel like kin,
At which point real fighting can for guest-force now begin.

Once guests decide to head back home, harass those slow to act;
Don’t sucker in for “Long-term stay”, though it might look like that;
They may be planning their retreat, sit tight and watch the scene –
Awareness of true situation victory can mean.

Lord, this speaks to attacks we make on satan’s conquered turf,
And his attack on us as well, like beaches in the surf –
There’s issues at the borderlands, where sand and rocks meet waves,
Which differ from what inland lies, as life in You displays.

We treat it all as one – it’s not, a dance is more the scene –
It’s back and forth between you two, with him the “mean and mean”,
While You are into excellence, engagement of the foe
With deeds of love and mercy, overwhelming hate they know.

So if the host – ask is this raid? Or is intent to seize
Your life and limb, and how you live – “Spend time upon your knees –
For I am more aware of things which you can’t even see;
Don’t move until you have received from Me the victory.

“If you’re the guest, then even more, stay on your toes, my son;
For danger lurks which you can’t see – insure supply lines run
Like vine and branches in the text – no one can separate
You from My love – advance, retreat, step in just when I say.”

Lord, help me keep my focus on Your target, not the trapped;
Though people need the rescuing, they’re not the foe; in fact
They likely are mired down so deep that they can’t see what’s real;
So Your perspective, Lord, can bring refreshment they can feel.

Help us convey the truth to them – that You the difference make,
As You express Your love for them, assist for Goodness sake,
In such a way that they can see that we’re the means of grace,
Through whom the God of love assists them – freeing, in this case.

Lord, this is so exciting to see bigger picture here;
To have a part to play in You, now that the picture’s clear;
Thanks for this “Basic Training” guide; for help that’s practical;
That we can be aware that there’s Your ways quite tactical.

For otherwise life is quite lame, and we’re clued out in You;
Then start to thinking we’re the ones to think up what to do;
That is our wont since Eden’s scene, our predilection there –
But “Host and guest” as written here makes us much more aware –

That there can be some problems, in the dance which You are in;
That we had best abide in You, on Kingdom-layer begin
To walk the walk, like on that road where fellow got beat up –
Responsive to the Spirit stay – in You, that’s quite enough.

Thanks Lord for this.

navigation