Recently I watched “The Emissary,” an episode from Star Trek: The Next Generation’s second season. This episode introduces us to K’Ehleyr, a former love interest of Worf, whose presence sets into motion many waves throughout the series. In this particular episode, K’Ehleyr assists the Enterprise in intercepting a Klingon battle cruiser whose crew has been in stasis for 75 years. Starfleet fears that the Klingons will attack the nearest Federation outpost, believing that the Empire is still at war with the Federation.
Even though the war was over, these Klingons wanted to keep fighting their battles.
Often times I am a lot like that ship of Klingons. I have surrendered my life to Christ; I was lowered with him in death and raised to new life with him through his resurrection. The war is over; I have surrendered to Jesus. Unfortunately, even though the war is over, I keep fighting all of these battles. There are moments every day when I refuse to surrender to Jesus and I keep fighting him.
Continuing to struggle against Jesus is about as effective as an old Klingon battle cruiser going up against the Enterprise. A D7 class battle cruiser would have no chance against a Galaxy-class starship. I really have no chance against Jesus; eventually I am going to die and the work that he began in me will be completed. I’ll be resurrected with a new, glorious and sinless body; I’ll be able to spend the rest of my eternity with him, no longer concerned about any battles.
That’s why it’s so amazing to surrender our lives to Jesus. Our future is secure; I have no doubts that I’ll spend forever in the new heaven and new earth. As great as that reality is, though, I keep fighting my battles; I keep refusing to surrender. Eventually all those battles will go the way of the war and I’ll surrender because I’m resurrected new and whole. I’d hate to spend my life fighting against the inevitable. If Jesus is going to completely transform me to the point where everything about me is surrendered to him, why not just get on board right now?
I don’t always think as clearly as I am thinking right now. Right now I know that it doesn’t make any sense to keep fighting Jesus. Right now I know that surrendering all the little battles every day is a much better way to live. When temptation pops up, though, or when I’m having a tough day, it’s so easy to forget. It’s easy to pick up my weapons and keep on fighting. It’s like I stare Jesus in the eyes and shout at him, “Never give up! Never surrender!”
In those moments, I imagine Jesus looks back at me with so much love and grace in his eyes. Perhaps remembering that love and grace, reflecting on them daily, will help be lay down my arms and surrender.
What helps you surrender the battles even though the war is won?
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