The Great Wall of China is a fascinating and opposing structure. It’s purpose was to deter incursions by nomads from Inner Asia. Stretching for more than 13,000 miles, it is possibly the most recognizable symbol of China.
On the top of the wall, an estimated 25,000 watchtowers were built every 200 yards, standing approximately 40 feet above the main wall. It was from these watchtowers, sentries would stand watch, scanning the countryside for any movement, or potential threat of an attack.
These towers were not simply used for observation, but were also signaling posts . Each tower had a storage of firewood, hay, and sulphur. If and when the sentries would spot a hostile force, they were instructed to to light a signal fire to let the other watchtowers know that the enemy had been spotted. If up to 100 enemies were spotted, they would light one signal fire. If up to 500 enemies were spotted, 2 signal fires were lit. 3 fires meant 1,000 of the enemy had been spotted. 4 fires meant 5,000 enemies, and 5 fires meant more than 10,000 of the enemy was approaching.
Although the threat was real, and the enemy was on the attack; the greater the attack of the enemy, the greater the light was broadcast.
We live in an ever darkening world, where sin is rampant. Evil is called good, and good is called evil. Wickedness is abounding. Society has reached new levels of sin. The enemy is on the prowl, seeking to steal, kill, and destroy.
The stronger the attack, the greater the light of the church will shine. The greater the ferocity of the forces of evil, the hotter the fires of revival will be. The attack of the enemy is nothing more than a call to action, so the fires of revival and the fire of the Holy Ghost will shine brighter than ever before.
The prophet Jeremiah, when he was struggling, and felt like giving up, would say “but His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones!”
Don’t be disheartened and discouraged at the enemy’s advance, but use the opportunity presented by him, to light a fire in your life that cannot be extinguished. Use the enemy’s advance to shine brighter than ever before. Use the condition of society as a rallying cry, to move forward with the fire of the Holy Ghost leading you to someone who needs the Light!
As summer arrives, and events kick off, we embark into a mission field of souls that need to hear about the grace and mercy of God. Just as a sputtering, misfiring bike causes us to fall behind the pack, a smoldering ember will cause us to fall behind in our calling.
As you fire your bikes up this summer, and head out on the streets with the message of hope, make sure the fire of the Holy Ghost is kindled, and burning more brightly than ever before in your life, and you will start fires wherever you put your kickstand down.
Jeremiah Hayes
International President
Azusa StreetRiders
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