It’s one of the iconic moments in movie making. In the movie version of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” Gandalf, the leader of the Fellowship of the Ring, declares to the evil spirit-being, Balrog, “You shall not pass!”

Gandalf is focused on countering the Dark Lord Sauron. Gandalf is an immortal spirit but his physical body can be killed. Tolkien once described him as an angel incarnate. Scholars have likened his return in white to the transfiguration of Christ.

In the original text of the novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien, Gandalf confronts Balrog declaring, “You cannot pass.” In the movie version, director Peter Jackson made the conflict even more dramatic by adding the line, “You shall not pass!”

The movie scene is a classic depiction of the confrontation of darkness and light, goodness versus evil, truth versus deception. Gandalf takes a sacrificial and defiant stand allowing his friends to escape and continue their mission. In doing so, he is killed. He is a type of Christ giving of himself to save others.

We live in increasingly dark days. Evil is on the march like never before. We see it and sense it. It’s undeniable as some try to redefine reality, truth and goodness. Some surmise that the Lord’s return is imminent and that we are living in the last days. Our job is to be faithful and to take a stand for what is true and what is righteous.

As we see the forces of darkness increase, Christ-followers must stand firm against the darkness and the confusion. Truth has been obscured and it is all part of the strategy from the pit of hell.

The spiritual battle we face is not only in our families and local communities but it is also amplified in our political discourse and in Washington, DC.

For the sake of our families, our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, it is time for those who know the Truth and recognize the spiritual battle that we are in, to step up and declare to evil, “You shall not pass!” Every pastor should take a stand for righteousness and raise the Standard declaring, “You shall not pass!” The Church must unite with boldness and declare, “You shall not pass!”

As Christ-Followers, we are called to be people of love but we are also not to shy away from confronting evil and proclaiming the truth.

In whatever situation, whether it be a school board meeting, a city council meeting or a gathering of friends, when we see evil advancing, let us be loving but fearless to proclaim, “You shall not pass!”

Steve