The greatest battle the universe has ever known was fought upon the cross. The body of Jesus was beaten and bruised, His spirit crushed, and His mind worn from the temptations of Satan. All His life He sought to please the Father. The Father’s approval sustained him along the way. And yet in the midst of His worst suffering, that of the cross, the Father turns His back.
Twelve legions of angels stand at the gates of Heaven awaiting the order from Jesus for deliverance. They grip their swords as they hear the words, "Father why hast thou forsaken me?" They begin to wonder, "surely he will call us down." And yet, he remains silent.
The words from the Lamb, "It is finished," mark the attack. The Father gives the command, the trumpeteers sound, and legions of angels blast through the earth’s atmosphere at speeds beyond human comprehension. The angels meet the forces of evil; the Earth shakes and sky turns to darkness as the battle rages. For three days and three nights the battle continues on. The angels break through the gates of Hell.
Suddenly, a bright light, brighter than the sun, illuminates the darkness of hell. The clashing of swords cease. The angels and demons look and see the Savior in all His glory and splendor. Then, from that deep silence, the angels begin rejoicing and march out of the gates of hell victorious.
The battle is over.
But the war, the war has not yet been won. Jesus resurrects and meets with those He loves. He then takes His disciples to a mountain for one final speech. What would you say if you had one final message to leave your dearest friends before ascending into Heaven? It's a hard decision. Why? Because what you say last is what people will always remember you by. Jesus doesn't say, "Love each other, as I have loved you." Though that is important. He doesn't say, "Worship me with all your heart." Though that also is important.
His final speech concluded with, "Go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature." The message of the cross had to be told, and this was the next step in the divine plan. Some day soon, the same Savior will mount His war horse and lead His legions with great fury to conquer what is His. We are called to prepare the way of our King! We have been called to preach repentance until His coming. We are a part of His eternal plan! Go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
"For whoever shall call in the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" Rom 10:13-14