Paul Luckraft reviews ‘The Battle of the Ages’ by Lance Lambert (2014).

This book is a call and a challenge to genuine intercession and “is directed to the remnant of the faithful in the Western nations” (p5). It is based on the transcripts of several messages given in America, turned into seven chapters and an epilogue entitled ‘The Mystery of Israel’.

The book begins by encouraging us to ‘watch and be sober’. The Church has largely been silent while our nation’s Christian foundations have been destroyed. A colossal removal of Christian principles from Western society has taken place before our eyes while we have sat back. Our Christianity is far too comfortable.

Lambert warns that we are now facing not so much a flood of evil as an avalanche, with powerful forces arrayed against us. He explains what these principalities, powers and world rulers of darkness are like and how they engage in ‘the battle of the ages’.

This title, ‘the battle of the ages’, is key. Although there is a strong focus on prayer in this book, it is not a handbook on prayer, as such. Rather, it contains much wisdom and wider analysis of society, which should inform intercessors and direct their prayers.

Seeing the Spiritual Dimension

In the next chapter Lambert shows us that this world is essentially spiritual, if we have eyes to see. All of global history is the expression of a cosmic battle between God and satan, of both fallen and unfallen invisible beings.

Lambert warns that we are now facing not so much a flood of evil as an avalanche, with powerful forces arrayed against us.

Prayer is engaging in this spiritual battle. Equally important, though, is the fight for the truth contained within God’s word, especially defending it against critical analysis (which began in Germany), disputing the Bible’s divine inspiration.

Each chapter is headed with a significant passage of Scripture, of some length - presumably the reading before each talk that he gave. One such passage is the well-known Daniel 9 which informs the book chapter that focuses on the strategic need for intercession. Daniel is the best example of how to counter the excuses we make not to be an intercessor! The whole chapter is an excellent survey of what intercession is about and how to become more powerful in it.

Lambert also provides personal examples and other stories to help illuminate and inspire. These include the Hebrides revival (1950s), the awakening in the Thames Valley and the Welsh revival (early 1900s). But primarily, his appeal is for people to take the first step into intercession, namely to say to the Lord, “I want to be an intercessor”. The Lord is so short of candidates, he argues, that he will snap you up immediately. Despite the humour, this is a serious point. This is how it begins, with a heart which is prepared to be transformed by the will, which says ‘Take me!’

Israel at the Heart

The title of the book emphasises that the battle has run throughout world history and will continue until the very end of the age. It began before Adam and Eve fell, and will climax when the Lord returns victorious.

The Lord is so short of candidates for intercession, Lambert argues, that he will snap up willing volunteers immediately.

Meanwhile, at the heart of the battle today is the tiny nation of Israel. The final two chapters are devoted to this theme which lead naturally into the epilogue, The Mystery of Israel, taken from Romans 11.

Overall, an excellent book from the pen of one of God’s mighty warriors who entered into his rest and reward shortly after its publication. Even if it doesn’t turn everyone who reads it into an intercessor, it will certainly help us all appreciate the vital and costly role that they undertake.

‘The Battle of the Ages’ (130 pages, paperback) is available on Amazon for £6.52.