A Unique Deployment...A Fallen Hero...A Risen Victory!

As we once again remember our veterans on this day, it is hard for me to even put into words the thoughts that race through my mind on this day. So many of our loved ones have fought for the freedoms that we share in this great country, and sadly we only take a short twenty-four hours out of the year, as a country, to recognize these wonderful heroes. I will be the first to admit that I need to do a better job at thanking our service men and women. There are really no adequate words to express my appreciation, but to our veteran men and women - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!

 
I cannot fathom the mindset that it takes to put your life on the line for people who may or may not appreciate your efforts. With this in mind, Veteran's Day always humbly brings to mind one particular veteran who gave his life for a wretch like me. 

(Note: This post is meant in no way to minimize what our service men and women do for us; it is to humbly recognize the sacrifice that our service men and women have endured for our earthly freedom while also shedding light on a veteran that sacrificed for our eternal freedom.)  

Webster defines veteran as "someone who fought in a war." Let me tell you about my favorite veteran, one who fought a mighty war against the Enemy, was deployed for nearly 33 years, and whose Tour of Duty is not yet finished. 
 
This whole war began about 6,000 years ago. Man was created, and unfortunately we fell prey to sin, taking too much pleasure in the things of the world and disobeyed the commands of the mighty father. In essence, we went against the Almighty God. 

• However, God sent his army of one, not to wreak havoc on us or "condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:17). Now, whether Jesus voluntarily signed up or this mission or was drafted by the Almighty Father, I have no idea; nonetheless, "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16).

• This was no ordinary mission. In fact, it was the most unique deployment in all of history. Forget the one-year, four-year, or more deployment - we are talking nearly 33 years. 

• He didn't come in with machine guns, a full brigade of armed men, and his combat boots strapped up; he came as a lamb, an innocent baby, but armed with the FULL ARMOUR OF GOD! - He stood firm with the "belt of truth," "breastplate of righteousness," "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace," "shield of faith," "helmet of salvation," "and the sword of the Spirit," and PRAYER (Ephesians 6:14-18). 

•  Just as our men and women of our armed forces do today, He fought for his own, even though some of them would mock and ridicule his efforts, just as many shamefully do today to our soldiers. "He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down." (Isaiah 53:3-4). 

• Jesus fought on the front lines for us and became a Prisoner of War. In fact, even one of his own followers (supporters) turned him into the enemy as he faced the "crowd armed with swords and clubs..." (Mark 14:43) He was taken and arrested by the enemy. Furthermore, he was tortured in his fight for US! They had Jesus flogged and prepared to crucify him. "They struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him." (Mark 15:19).

•  Jesus did not receive the PURPLE HEART medal, even though he was "wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him" (Isaiah 53:5). Instead, he received a purple robe and a twisted crown of thorns, just to have them mock him as the King of the Jews (Mark 15:17). 

• He did not receive the Service Cross Medal for risking his life in actual combat; instead, he carried his own cross and GAVE his life for us.

•  This soldier gave his life fighting for our freedom from sin - a fallen hero. "He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing to to the cross" (Colossians 2:14). By his death, he ensured our freedom from the enemy of sin. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.

• Interestingly enough, Jesus even became MIA for a little bit when they found his burial tomb empty.  Nevertheless, it wasn't long before the people realized his risen victory!  It was impossible for death to hold him down! (Acts 2: 24).

• However, you will not see his name on a Wall of Honor. You will not see his name on a Veteran's or Hero's program. In fact, the mention of his name is even hushed in our schools and workplaces. You definitely won't see his valiant efforts in most history books. However, we can take joy in the fact that his commemoration is COMING...and coming SOON! Jesus' tour of duty is not yet over. Yes, he may have returned from his deployment on earth, but he is now actively serving as our mediator to the Heavenly Father. In fact, he has one more big war to fight against Satan. (Spoiler alert: Jesus will win!!) Then, just as most heroes on a quest, he will once again return to his people and take us to be with him! :)

Until that time, though, I think it's time that become VETERANS ourselves. The war with Satan is constant. We need to be active soldiers against him during our life on this earth. Jesus has already covered the frontline - "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8). Whose side are you fighting on? It's time for us to raise up and be in the ARMY OF THE LORD!!
 
Check out this drama to Jason Upton's song Dying Star! It's time that we become in the Army of the Lord! I hope this encourages you as it did me. Go confidently in the Lord this week! 
 

 

 Until next time...