Thank you, men and women who have worn the uniforms of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard. On Memorial Day, we honor the fallen; on Veteran’s Day – today! – we honor the living who have given their time, talent and forsaken the pursuit of treasure to defend our country and advance its values. My electronic applause is directed to them on this day set aside to recognize them.
“The never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way.” That’s the way Superman was introduced to us every week when I was growing up, back in the ’50’s and ’60’s. He was the model for a life given to service: the strong intervening for the weak. Why would someone drop the suit and put on the uniform? It was all about something intangible and bigger than oneself; it was a battle that was only fought, never won. The forces against truth, justice and the American way would present themselves to every generation, and the critical need for someone to step into the phone booth and change from civilian to guardian would be frequent.
We all long for peace, but the history of civilization is the chronicle of wars. There has never been a year of global peace; conflict is always raging, somewhere. We live in the reality that employment and deployment will always coexist, real-time. When you are the sole Super Power, that power is never at rest. Power breeds threats and attacks, and both call for reaction. Candidates run on a platform of peace, but leaders are assigned the commission to be Commander in Chief.
When you come to the community of faith, one expects to be sheltered from the realities of war. Sorry: that isn’t likely. As soon as you invite the Sovereign to speak, He reveals His agenda:
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
Why the military rhetoric?
God knows that peace is the ultimate objective, but it isn’t possible as long as there is opposition that exists to destroy:
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8)
God’s enemy – who is also our enemy – will never disarm. Satan – the devil’s formal name on the wanted poster in Heaven – isn’t shooting to wound; he aims to kill.
We live in a world at war. The greatest conflict isn’t in Ukraine, or Israel or any other “hot spot;” rather, it is in the invisible spiritual dimension, manifesting itself anywhere that Satan gains a foothold. He can work through governments, he can work through cultures; he most loves working through false religion that gives its advocates a sense of spiritual foundation that puts their effort on an even more dangerous level of devoted pursuit. How do you compete with that?
Paul the Apostle felt no reservation against sending his adopted spiritual offspring to the front line. In a letter to Timothy, he wrote:
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer.” (2 Timothy 2:1-4)
Practical advice for the defender of Truth, Justice and the Heavenly Way.
Can’t we just opt-out? Is there a deferral from the Kingdom forces for “conscientious objectors?” Do God’s children really have to fight?
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
It seems that America will always be at war because we’re always under attack. It’s certain that Christianity is at war – spiritually – because we’re under attack.
Thank God for the American defenders. Thank God for the defenders of the faith, as well.
Bob Shank
Bob,
Great commentary on Veteran’s Day. Thank you.
Bob. You have served as the ‘home-room’ teacher/mentor in my life for over 16 years. I look forward to each week’s lesson. As a true veteran in the service to God’s Kingdom . . . you inspire others to live for His righteousness. For decades you have served honorably and with distinction as the Chief Spiritual Officer to battalions of men you have trained. Equipping, preparing and encouraging men to battle the spiritual wars experienced in this world while being an influence for God’s vision of transformed people transforming the world. You don’t need a phone booth to change into a super hero as your servant leadership has never been cloaked or hidden. I salute you today and thank God for your life . . . your leadership . . . and your pastoral coaching. Shalom. Ron.
Guided by grace and fueled by faith- I have been fortunate enough to know the meaning of this message in a variety of capacities.
Thank you for this wonderful message and of your continued service. Reminds me of one of my favorite verses,
A threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) regarding the transient nature of life.