"His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron."
(Rev 12:4, 5a)
This is Veterans Day in the United States of America. It was on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, 1918, that the Armistice was signed between the waring factions in World War I. The dictionary defines an "armistice" as "a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement of the waring parties." This defines the close of World War 1 and the Korean War, "suspension of hostilities." Nobody won either. Almost 20 years after November 11, 1918, Europe revealed just how "unfinished" was WWI. The final chapter on the Korean War is still to be written.
Be that as it may, I am thankful for those who have served in our military from the very beginning of the nation right to this moment. Many, if not most, did so and do so in order that others who could not fight, or would not fight, could still be "free." America was born in war and has been kept free by war. Of course, no one in their right mind would choose this "way" of freedom, but it is the enemies of mankind who are the aggressors in their attempt to enslave and dominate the Planet. Faithful men and women have given their lives and continue to do so to thwart aggressors.
According to our text, our Eternal Freedom also came in war. From the moment of Jesus' Appearing (His "birth"), the forces of Darkness were attempting to kill Him. The Enemy planned Jesus' destruction from one Garden to another. As He walked the hills and lanes of the Galilee and the streets of Jerusalem, sometimes Jesus just walked through crowds attempting to kill Him; sometimes He fled. But always His Face was towards Jerusalem, the Jewish leaders, the Roman Government, The Cross, the Grave, the Resurrection. In His Cross of Blood, Jesus' war against the enslavement, destruction, condemnation, and eternal judgment of you and me was, "It is finished." It is up to you and me to, "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free," and, "labor to enter that rest."
Charles Wesley's song declares, "ours the cross, the grave the skies, Allelujah!" It is ours, because Jesus is ours and we are His. Romans 6 says that those who receive Jesus Christ take the same path in Jesus, "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Today Americans celebrate all who have served in the military. And, today all who have seen, "The Light of the world," celebrate Him.
Father, in Jesus' Name, those of us who are Americans today thank You for those who gave their lives in defense of our nation. May all of us give our lives for You, Your Church, and Kingdom. Amen.
(Rev 12:4, 5a)
This is Veterans Day in the United States of America. It was on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, 1918, that the Armistice was signed between the waring factions in World War I. The dictionary defines an "armistice" as "a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement of the waring parties." This defines the close of World War 1 and the Korean War, "suspension of hostilities." Nobody won either. Almost 20 years after November 11, 1918, Europe revealed just how "unfinished" was WWI. The final chapter on the Korean War is still to be written.
Be that as it may, I am thankful for those who have served in our military from the very beginning of the nation right to this moment. Many, if not most, did so and do so in order that others who could not fight, or would not fight, could still be "free." America was born in war and has been kept free by war. Of course, no one in their right mind would choose this "way" of freedom, but it is the enemies of mankind who are the aggressors in their attempt to enslave and dominate the Planet. Faithful men and women have given their lives and continue to do so to thwart aggressors.
According to our text, our Eternal Freedom also came in war. From the moment of Jesus' Appearing (His "birth"), the forces of Darkness were attempting to kill Him. The Enemy planned Jesus' destruction from one Garden to another. As He walked the hills and lanes of the Galilee and the streets of Jerusalem, sometimes Jesus just walked through crowds attempting to kill Him; sometimes He fled. But always His Face was towards Jerusalem, the Jewish leaders, the Roman Government, The Cross, the Grave, the Resurrection. In His Cross of Blood, Jesus' war against the enslavement, destruction, condemnation, and eternal judgment of you and me was, "It is finished." It is up to you and me to, "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free," and, "labor to enter that rest."
Charles Wesley's song declares, "ours the cross, the grave the skies, Allelujah!" It is ours, because Jesus is ours and we are His. Romans 6 says that those who receive Jesus Christ take the same path in Jesus, "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Today Americans celebrate all who have served in the military. And, today all who have seen, "The Light of the world," celebrate Him.
Father, in Jesus' Name, those of us who are Americans today thank You for those who gave their lives in defense of our nation. May all of us give our lives for You, Your Church, and Kingdom. Amen.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
