The concept of the “fog of battle” has been around ever since battles and wars began to be fought. Fear, panic, noise, dust, smoke, motion, and limited personal perspective all contribute to the phenomenon known as the “fog of battle” or the “fog of war.” A 5th century BC military historian, Thucydides, wrote concerning the confusion of battle on the heights above Syracuse (413 B.C.): “Even in daytime fighters do not perceive anything; indeed, nobody knows anything more than what is going on right around himself.”
Even today’s technology advances are unable to clear the fog of battle. Missiles and bombs miss their marks, human error is always in the mix, and even the most highly sophisticated electronic and computer equipment can fail, leaving generals and commanders in a fog as to what it really happening on the ground. At such terrifying moments, Thucydides’ words still ring true, “Nobody knows anything more than what is going on right around himself.”
The Battle of Gettysburg is the most well-known and thoroughly examined battle in American history. More than 150,000 men fought there, and every soldier/general/civilian had a unique perspective of the fight limited to personal experience. For example, the Confederate soldier on the far right flank of Pickett’s ill-fated Charge could not have known what was happening on the far left flank, a full mile away.
As they made their way across nearly a mile of open ground toward the Union lines, their own line shrunk in half (from 1 mile to a mere ½ mile) because of the chaos brought about by Union artillery fire, musket and rifle fire, the noise and smoke of battle, and the fear and uncertainty and panic pounding in their own hearts and minds. At the height of this intense battle, it could be said of each of those men, as well as the opposing Union forces, “Nobody knows anything more than what is going on right around himself.”
The fog of battle. You face it daily. Spiritual warfare rages all around you…and within you. The strain and fatigue of fighting sin, Satan, and the world wear you down. The fight is fierce, the battle relentless, the enemies powerful and resourceful. In the heat of battle, in the fog of the fight, perspective narrows and it’s hard to see beyond the moment, beyond the immediate conflict. The words of the ancient historian still ring true: “Nobody knows anything more than what is going on right around himself.” And to top it all off, the stakes couldn’t be higher: heaven or hell, life with God or life without him. Forever.
You need strength, resources, energy, power, and clarity to see through the fog of battle. God provides exactly what is needed: weapons for the fog of battle. Word, water, wafer and wine – we call these the Means of Grace. Word and Sacrament deliver the saving power of the Gospel to help us maintain our bearings, keep our focus on Christ, and strengthen us for the fight of faith. It all begins with the Word of God. In the midst of the fog of rhetoric and ideas, battles temptations and challenges, God’s Word give clarity. Always.
Many, many more Scriptures speak of the clarity and power God provides. The entire Bible does!
Bottom line: stay away from the Word, remain immersed in the fog of battle. Be in the Word, use it, and you’ll still find yourself in the heat of battle, but armed with the clear power, presence, and promise of God, who says, “I am with you.”
In Christ,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
Even today’s technology advances are unable to clear the fog of battle. Missiles and bombs miss their marks, human error is always in the mix, and even the most highly sophisticated electronic and computer equipment can fail, leaving generals and commanders in a fog as to what it really happening on the ground. At such terrifying moments, Thucydides’ words still ring true, “Nobody knows anything more than what is going on right around himself.”
The Battle of Gettysburg is the most well-known and thoroughly examined battle in American history. More than 150,000 men fought there, and every soldier/general/civilian had a unique perspective of the fight limited to personal experience. For example, the Confederate soldier on the far right flank of Pickett’s ill-fated Charge could not have known what was happening on the far left flank, a full mile away.
As they made their way across nearly a mile of open ground toward the Union lines, their own line shrunk in half (from 1 mile to a mere ½ mile) because of the chaos brought about by Union artillery fire, musket and rifle fire, the noise and smoke of battle, and the fear and uncertainty and panic pounding in their own hearts and minds. At the height of this intense battle, it could be said of each of those men, as well as the opposing Union forces, “Nobody knows anything more than what is going on right around himself.”
The fog of battle. You face it daily. Spiritual warfare rages all around you…and within you. The strain and fatigue of fighting sin, Satan, and the world wear you down. The fight is fierce, the battle relentless, the enemies powerful and resourceful. In the heat of battle, in the fog of the fight, perspective narrows and it’s hard to see beyond the moment, beyond the immediate conflict. The words of the ancient historian still ring true: “Nobody knows anything more than what is going on right around himself.” And to top it all off, the stakes couldn’t be higher: heaven or hell, life with God or life without him. Forever.
You need strength, resources, energy, power, and clarity to see through the fog of battle. God provides exactly what is needed: weapons for the fog of battle. Word, water, wafer and wine – we call these the Means of Grace. Word and Sacrament deliver the saving power of the Gospel to help us maintain our bearings, keep our focus on Christ, and strengthen us for the fight of faith. It all begins with the Word of God. In the midst of the fog of rhetoric and ideas, battles temptations and challenges, God’s Word give clarity. Always.
- “Your words are a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
- “I will make you wise. I will instruct you in the way that you should go. I will guide you, keeping my eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8)
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)
Many, many more Scriptures speak of the clarity and power God provides. The entire Bible does!
Bottom line: stay away from the Word, remain immersed in the fog of battle. Be in the Word, use it, and you’ll still find yourself in the heat of battle, but armed with the clear power, presence, and promise of God, who says, “I am with you.”
In Christ,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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