Jesus On The Battlefield
T he Bible says "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (See John 15:13.)
If you study World War I or II from the perspective of the eye witness testimonies of those who were there and survived, you will hear of countless acts of the selfless and heroic bravery of those who risked or laid down their lives for their friends on the battlefield.
Tearful Men, Lost For Words
You will see tearful men, lost for words as they remember witnessing comrades in arms cut down or badly maimed by the enemy. Some suffering from guilt, not knowing why they were chosen to survive the horrors of war instead of others. These may be stories that they have kept hidden for decades but thought quietly about every day.
You will also hear that "there are no athiests in fox holes".
Not All Soldiers Bear Arms
Desmond Doss was a Combat Medic in the US Army during World War II. As a conscientious objector he refused to carry a weapon and was armed only with his Bible and his faith in God. This led to persecution and even a failed attempt to court martial him and eject him from the army during his army training.
His faith meant his objective was to save lives, not take them. He was never afraid to run directly into the heat of battle in response to the cry "Medic!", regardless of the danger to his own person.
He was sent into battle against the Japnese in Okinawa at Hacksaw Ridge where very heavy casualties were amassed and troops had been told to fall back. Desmond Doss chose not to fall back. He said he prayed the whole time asking God to "just let me get one more" as he sought to rescue his wounded comrades abandoned in no man's land.
As a result of his actions that day, he rescued seventy-five men and became the first conscientious objector to be decorated with the Medal of Honor, America's highest award for bravery and courage under fire.
His modesty caused him to credit all of his success to God and to not regard himself as a hero.
His comrades, who once considered him a misfit and a coward for his stance on refusing to carry a weapon, later considered him one of the bravest persons alive.
Even when wounded and in need of evacuation, he insisted that others be rescued ahead of him.
Bands Of Brothers Ignoring The Affairs Of This Life
There is something about warfare that causes soldiers from disparate locations to bond and gain a respect for one another, putting their lives in each others hands.
The Bible says "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." (See 2 Timothy 2:4.)
Soldiers are expected to obey their commanders, even when in the most fierce of battles with odds vastly stacked against them and even when asked to pursue what would appear from the outset to be a suicide mission. Yet few soldiers disobey their orders.
Today Battle Is Raging All Around Us
You may not realise it but the fight between good (God) and evil (the soon to be defeated devil) continues all around us. This is spiritual warfare, not like the warfare we imagine when we think of previous world wars.
The many signs of it overflow into the natural world for us to see. Many are sick, others are dying with no saving knowledge of Christ and bound for eternal separation from God.
Everyone on Earth is involved in this warfare although not everyone chooses to be active in the battle.
In The Last Days Dangerous Times Shall Come
If you can read the signs of the times you will already be aware that we are living in what the Bible calls "the last days" and that many of the signs described in the Bible and also happening in the world today, prove that. These are described as mere birth pains prior to the second-coming of Christ.
Right now, the devil is on a killing spree, knowing that his time is short before the return of Christ.
The first-coming of Christ was to declare God the Father's love for the world (see John 3:16) by offering a free means of salvation to reconcile sinful man back to God thereby escaping the wrath and judgement of God through faith in His son.
The second-coming of Christ will be in the power and judgement of God. It will mark the start of seven years of tribulation. (See Joel 1:15, Obadiah 15.)
Join Forces With Jesus On The Battlefield
Jesus was not only happy to risk His life for you but He actually gave His life for you! He's on the battlefield today, ready and willing to rescue and save anyone who will call upon Him.
Child of God, will you become a soldier of Christ in these last days?
Will you deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus daily?
Will you stand beside Him on the battlefield?
What role will you play?
It is one thing to hear and believe the Word of God but it is another thing entirely to do the Word of God and we are commanded to bear much fruit! Fortunately God has already prepared those good works for us to perform.
Christianity Is Not A Spectator Sport
As Christians, now is the time to awake out of sleep, to break free from the distractions of the devil, to put on the armour of God and join Jesus on the battlefield. It's time to shake off the affairs of this life and contend for the faith.
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. Neither is our enemy flesh and blood.
God has given us each gifts to play our unique role in His plan and fulfil our destiny by performing those good works that He prepared for us before the foundations of the world were put in place. (See Ephesians 2:10.)
Remember, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. His grace is sufficient.
There are many who say "yes" to the Father but who do not do His will. Let not that be said of you or I but instead let it be said to us "Well done my good and faithful servant"!
Tim Simpson
18th March, 2023
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