Yesterday we attended a Veteran’s Day Service. Most of the men there had served in the Viet Nam War as they spoke of their service their voices cracked and their eyes filled with tears. They had been faithful to their calling, and they returned home. But some they knew did not.
It was a time to celebrate them and to thank them for their sacrifice on our behalf.
Last week we were at the racetrack with our daughter and son-in-love. As we sang the National Anthem, our hands on our hearts, I looked at Austin and my heart swelled with pride. My throat tightened and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for his service. As soon as the anthem finished, I had to hug him tightly and tell him thank you, once again, for his service and his sacrifice.
Today is the day we honor all veterans. Those who have served, some have fought in conflict, others have stood guard during times of peace, but they were all dedicated to one common goal – the protection of our country and our freedoms.
“Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve.” II Timothy 2:3-4 AMP
We, too, have enlisted for service. We have been called to fight the good fight of faith. We are standing, in this life, as the occupational forces representing a king and a kingdom, the kingdom of God.
Our uniform fits us for battle; we are clothed in the full armor of God. We have a helmet of salvation, a shield of faith, a breastplate of righteousness, our midsection is covered by truth, the boots on our feet are the gospel of peace and we have a sword of the Spirit in our hands.
The One who leads us has been beaten and bruised. His hands and feet were pierced through; He gave up His life to save us all and then He rose from the dead to enforce the defeat of His conqueror enemy.
“God took away the power of the leaders of this world and the powers of darkness. He showed them to the world. The battle was won over them through Christ.” Colossians 2:15 NLV
Those of us who are standing here will one day be called home from duty and when we are we will hear our commanding officer say, “‘You have done well. You are a good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will put many things in your care. Come and share my joy.’” Matthew 25:23 NLV