II Timothy 2:3-4 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
In the same General Order in which General Washington directed the reading of the Declaration of Independence to the Continental Army (see previous post), he ordered the following:
“The Honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Chaplain to each Regiment, with the pay of Thirty-three Dollars and one third per month – The Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure Chaplains accordingly; persons of good Characters and exemplary lives – To see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect and attend carefully upon religious exercises: The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger—The General hopes and trusts, that every officer, and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country.”
General Washington knew that God must be involved if the American revolutionary cause was going to be successful, and that Christian leaders were necessary to direct our soldiers towards the Lord.
Washington knew that God must be involved for success in any endeavor. After all, “the blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary.” As an addition, Washington provided an important qualifier – the necessity of God’s protection and blessing is “especially so in times of public distress and danger.”
Public distress and danger succinctly describe our current domestic and international environments. Our context demands our compliance. We are to turn to God. We are to live and act as becomes a Christian Solider. The defense of our dearest Rights and Liberties depends upon our faithfulness.
PLEASE PRAY FAITHFULLY AND FERVENTLY FOR NATIONAL BLESSINGS AND PROTECTION IN A DISTRESSED AND DANGEROUS WORLD. Especially so, in the midst of confusion and conflict!
See a related thought in this previous post: https://prayatlunch.us/a-christian-soldier/
