Veterans Of The Cross

Even though Veteran’s Day is Friday, November 11, it’s important enough to celebrate it on this Sunday before the holiday. Unlike Memorial Day when we honor those who died while serving, Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. Originally it was called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of WW I, on the 11th month, 11th day, 11 minutes after the 11th hour. But it was expanded in 1954 to honor and celebrate all who served in our Armed Forces during times of war and peace. We owe our veterans a great debt for their service, but I always include the loved ones of those who served. The ones who kept things going while we were away, and the ones who gave us the incentive to serve. So, thank you veterans, and those who supported them, for your service and your sacrifices.

This morning, let’s expand that term veteran to cover all those who have served, or are actively serving in the Lord’s Army as well. In His Army, Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The grim reality is that as soldiers in the Lord’s Army we face a continual battle. There is no peace time, only daily combat. And there is no honorable discharge from active duty during this lifetime, so we’re all veterans. For those who complete their tour of duty honorably, there are eternal benefits. Complete life insurance, no need of medical benefits because there will be no more sickness, no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain. In fact, the only scars in heaven will be on the hands of Christ welcoming His veterans home.

At my sides there are two flags. The American Flag, representing our country, and the Christian Flag representing our Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, with His Cross imprinted on it. The Flag of His Church Triumphant. To serve in the army of either of these flags faithfully and effectively, and the kingdoms they represent, both have certain requirements. One has a spiritual focus, the other has physical requirements.

Recruitment into either army at present is voluntarily. There is no forced draft in America anymore. In God’s Kingdom, no one is ever forced to serve. Both send recruiters to encourage people to volunteer to serve. American recruiters target specific audiences, but Jesus invites each of us individually, “Come, follow Me”. But not everyone is fit to join. The American army requires passing of physical, mental, and character tests. Jesus tests our commitment. Like he did for the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and appeared willing to join the Kingdom Army but proved unfit..

Jesus tested his commitment, telling him to sell all he had and give it to the poor, and the man failed that test. Jesus had no use for worldly riches. They possessed the young man, but soldiers in Christ’s army must commit to Him. Effective soldiers in Christ’s command must be loyal, obedient, and have faith in Him alone. Jesus’ 12 disciples’ commitment meant voluntarily leaving their homes and careers to follow Jesus, 11 willingly gave their lives in His service.

As veterans in Christ’s army, we have additional duties as recruiters as well. Jesus sends us out as His recruitment officers to urge others to serve in His Army. As perhaps the top recruiter in Jesus’ army, Paul writes in 2 Cor. 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us”. As His recruiters, we are His ambassadors, speaking His words to others through His Holy Spirit.

Once new recruits commit to serve in the American military, they are sent to a boot camp, where they are given a new look, begin to learn about their new life, what’s expected of them, and begin training to become effective combatants. The recruit’s new look starts with a hair cut and new clothes before undergoing physical training. But Jesus’ new look focuses on the spirit. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, that “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” We become changed on the inside, which may even result in changes to our outer self. For instance, as a new creation, we may change our attitudes. We may choose to wear less offensive clothes that represent our Lord more appropriately. James tells us we should control our tongues, so we change the language that comes from within us. We find ourselves blessing, rather than cursing others. And we may be more careful about what we put into our body, which is now a Temple of the Holy Spirit. Such changes my cause us to love others more, becoming more understanding and forgiving.