Remembering the Veterans

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnessesentrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. ³ Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.-  II Timothy 2:1-4

Veterans Day is only a few days away.   While Memorial Day is a day in which Americans remember with thanksgiving those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country,  Veterans Day is a day when we remember those who served in our armed forces.     Since Veterans Day is on a Sunday this year, I am certain that many churches will recognize the Veterans among them in all sorts of ways.  As the father in law of a young man currently serving in our nation’s military and as the nephew of three men that served in our nation’s military in days past,  I am grateful for family who did serve and are still serving. 

I came across the passage of scripture  above recently where the apostle Paul uses a soldier as a metaphor for disciples of Jesus Christ  (“good soldier of  Christ Jesus”).     While I am thankful as an American for the many veterans who served in our nation’s military in days past,   I am thankful as a Christian for those “good soldiers of Christ Jesus” who have kept the faith, shared the faith, and had faith.     They are the ones that have mentored us and prayed for us.   They are the people who have not only talked about Christ, but sought to show Christ-likeness in their daily life.  There are many people in my life who have been a “good soldier of Christ Jesus”.   Some are living, and others have gone on to their eternal reward.   While it is good and right to honor the Veterans of our nation’s military on Veteran’s Day,   it is good and right to honor the  good soldiers of Christ Jesus.   Why not take the time to give one of those “good soldiers” a call, a card, or a visit this week and thank them for their service for the sake of the gospel and impact on your life?  You will be glad you did, and they will be grateful.     Have a joy-filled  week.--  Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:    O God, I  thank you those who have fought the good fight and kept the faith as soldiers of the cross.   Grant that through the inspiration of their lives and the strength of your Spirit that I might go and do likewise;  through Christ our Lord.   Amen.