Why You Should Remember The Fallen

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived. - General George Patton

Nearly one month after the surrender of Germany in World War II, one of the most iconic U.S. Generals, George Patton, said on June 7, 1945, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” (Image by Pixabay)

One role of government, which God created, is to defend its citizens from enemies within and without. The Bible says, “But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he [government] does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4) This is why governments have standing armies and weapons of war, to always be prepared to carry out their God-given responsibility to defend their nation.

When times like this happen, it becomes a necessary burden for the government and its people to take up arms and fight a just cause in defense of their country. In some cases, they may be fighting for their very survival. In those dark moments we should thank God for the soldiers who have lived and died, that we might be free.

One such soldier was 20-year-old Sergeant Daniel Brown from Stamford, Connecticut. He became a decorated war hero at the end of the Revolutionary War (1775-83). May 3, 1783, he was awarded the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington, who created the award (later it became the Purple Heart). Brown was one of only three soldiers to receive the commendation. He served with the 5th Connecticut Regiment and led soldiers on a dangerous mission to take Yorktown, in Virgina, from British forces.

American troops were carefully preparing for an attack on Yorktown. They had scouted out where the fortifications were that needed to be breached for a successful campaign. Troops were in position, waiting for the signal to attack, when the enemy spotted them and British soldiers began firing. Then immediately, while under fire and with only bayonets, Graham led his men over obstacles to an assault on a key fort at Yorktown. Browns citation reads, “…on the evening of the 14th of October 1781, [Sergeant Daniel Brown] conducted a forlorn hope (a suicide mission) with great bravery, propriety, and deliberate firmness, and his general character appears unexceptionable.”

Because of Brown’s extraordinary bravery in battle, British General Earl Cornwallis had his defenses cut off with no hope of retreat and was forced to surrender. That battle was the last military engagement of the American Revolution.

Americans, as well as citizens of every nation, should be grateful to God for soldiers like Sergeant Brown, who are willing to sacrifice themselves to fight for their homeland.

Why should we remember soldiers who have lived and died among us? Why should we remember their heroic deeds? Because it reminds us that we live in a world of good and evil, light and darkness, God and Satan. It reminds us of the reality that there are still ruthless leaders and vigilante groups who conquer and destroy with much bloodshed. It reminds us that we need godly men and women to boldly stand against such evil. It also reminds us that war is ultimately a spiritual battle, which is where we can have hope. For when the good news of Jesus Christ is declared, it can change the vilest of men. Through Jesus, the hardest of hearts, the cruelest of souls, the darkest of minds can be touched by the Master. How? Through Jesus’ death and resurrection. His greatest act of love, courage and self-sacrifice has brought hope to the world. For it is written about Jesus, that He, “…disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them...” (Colossians 2:15) And because of this, one day in the future, there will be no—more--war!

A prayer for you – Lord God, I thank you for our brave men and women who have given their lives for the defense of our nation. Protect those who are serving today. And I pray you will send your good news of Christ into war-torn areas, that souls might be transformed by the power of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Law and Speeding Tickets

“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” - James 2:10 

I was in college and running late, so I hopped into my bright red sporty-looking car and started buzzing down the road. Instantly, I was made even later when a police officer decided to stop me for speeding. Now I really needed to make up for time, so I buzzed down the road even more. However, unbelievably, another officer stopped me. That was a very expensive 20-minute drive. (Image from traffictickets.com)

Looking back, the officers had every right to pull me over because I was exceeding the speed limit. In straightforward terms, I was breaking the law.

Speed limits are one among thousands of different laws in our nation to help govern our citizens and keep order. The English word for law, refers to a system of rules that have been laid down, or set in place, for people to abide by. Those laws then become the moral standard for what is right or wrong in a country.

The Lord God, who created the heavens and the earth, is King over the universe. He governs it by a system of His own laws. They are divine and holy, which the entire human race is subject to. They cover two categories: how we relate to God and each other. All of His laws are summed up in the Great Commandment, which Jesus stated, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 37-40)

What does God’s law deal with? 1. Adultery. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) 2. Divorce. Jesus taught, “…I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery…” 3. Loving our enemies. Jesus spoke, “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28) These are just three out of hundreds of God’s moral laws.

Are they only for Sunday morning churchgoers? No. The entire human race is subject to these laws including atheists, Muslims, Jews, Republicans, Democrats, liberals, conservatives and everyone else. What does God expect from people? “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) God’s standard is perfect obedience and perfect love with all He has commanded. Why? Because God is holy, and the law He has laid down is a reflection of Him.

What happens when we mess up? “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” (James 2:10) In an extreme case, if a person was able to perfectly obey God’s law, except for just one area, that would still not be good enough. God does not judge based on a scale. He judges based upon perfect obedience. And when we fall short, we become legally guilty before God, then are convicted and sentenced under His judgement to eternal death. It is extremely serious and incredibly severe.

Is there any hope? Yes! Jesus came from heaven to earth for this very reason. He knew we were not good enough on our own, but He knew He was. Therefore, being an innocent man, He died on a cross and rose again to take our conviction and sentence upon Himself. Then through His resurrection, He provided a remedy for you to be completely forgiven, and through that forgiveness, all things can be made new for you.

Though you have failed before God, there is a certain and everlasting hope waiting for you. Receive it today!

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will help us to recognize how we have failed. We have all broken your laws and are deserving of your judgment. Through Jesus, forgive us, O God. Remove our guilt, we pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Strength of a Decorated Soldier

Major Audie Murphy earned 33 awards, citations and decorations, including all possible medals of valor from the U.S., as well as three French and one Belgian medal. - U.S. Department of War

Medal of Honor recipient, Army Major Audie Murphy, is the U.S military’s most decorated soldier in history. He spent about 400 days on the front lines in WWII. During his more than three years of combat, he was wounded three times, fought in nine major campaigns and was credited with killing more than 240 enemy soldiers while wounding and capturing many others. All this despite being only 5 feet, 5 inches tall and 110 pounds. (Image from togetherweservedblog) 

The U.S. Department of War states, “Murphy earned 33 awards, citations and decorations, including all possible medals of valor from the U.S., as well as three French and one Belgian medal.”

In ancient days there was another highly decorated soldier. His name was David. He rose to become the greatest solider in Israel’s history. As a teenager, in one-on-one combat, he singlehandedly killed Goliath, the fiercest enemy solider Israel ever faced. From there he successfully served in multiple battles, eventually rising to become King of Israel and its most accomplish military general.

During his career as a warrior, David killed thousands of enemy soldiers and expanded Israel’s territory like never before. The Bible says of him, “And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. [He] reigned over all Israel [and] administered justice and equity to all his people.” (2 Samuel 8:14-15) As King, he once wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O Lord, save the king!” (Psalm 20:7-9) Echoing the same ideas, he repeated, “The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue…Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Ps. 33:16-17,20)

As a King, David was not foolish, but well prepared for any attack. He had an army ready to fight and all the weapons of his day at his disposal. But where did he place his trust? For the defense of his nation and victory in the bloody battles of war, he trusted in the Lord God. The one who is King of all kings, Lord of lords and Creator of heaven and earth.

David understood the nature of mankind and the world he lived in. He knew there was an unseen evil and lawless spirit that raised up ruthless men to kill and destroy. Would mortal men alone with man-made weapons achieve victory against such a diabolical enemy? David employed the only one who had power over evil. The Lord God Almighty. A wicked tyrant can defeat men but cannot defeat God. This is seen in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was put on the cross by cunning and crafty lawless men. Yet three days later he defeated their schemes by rising from the dead.

The leader of a nation. The leader of an army. A soldier. A citizen. They are all fools who do not trust in God’s only Son to thwart the attacks of evil forces.

How can people receive this divine protection? Simple. Humble themselves before the Lord God and call upon the Lord for mercy with a desperate heart. God always responds when precious souls finally realize they cannot save themselves, but only God can. Yet, because of our stubbornness, we often find ourselves at the brink of utter defeat before we realize that truth.

Are you fighting in our own strength? Are you near to defeat? Then are you ready to humble yourself and call upon the only one who can save you to the uttermost?

A prayer for you - Lord God, you see the nations and souls of all people. Bring Presidents, Prime Ministers and Kings to call upon you. Bring military generals and soldiers to fall on their face before you. Bring dads, moms, grandpas and grandmas to be desperate for you. Bring them to stop fighting in their own strength and trying to save themselves. Lead them to call out to you to save their souls, their families and their nation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.