This is Veteran’s Day.
The IN SEASON Lifestyle blog pays particular attention to all holidays and holy days. That is because the publisher/writer loves to observe the seasons and times that God has ordained for our lives. Time is a gift and some times are special.
The Holy Days belong to God. They are appointed times for meeting with God.
The holidays are days that men have proclaimed on their own. Most holidays tend to serve as historic memorials. Some holidays are very good and some holidays are not so good.
For this writer, Thanksgiving, for example; is perceived to be a very good holiday. On the other hand, Halloween is not.
Different people observe different holidays for different reasons. Holidays observed at this blogsite are simply the choices the author has made from the wisdom she has been given. There are many out there who may be wiser. However; we do our best with what God has granted. It seems completely honorable to this writer to remember and honor those who have served and defended our country. We owe them gratitude for helping us to be who we are.
Choices do matter. They should not be taken lightly. Honoring selfless valor and courage just seems appropriate and right.
WHY THE SWORD IN THE STONE RELATES TO VETERAN’S DAY OBSERVANCE
Perhaps that is why I have always been so fascinated with the story of Camelot, Sir Lancelot and The Sword in the Stone.
I love the way the young man of the story (Lancelot) learns to live his life to the fullest by observing the things that God has granted to him. He does seem to be intent on putting aside the false messages from the world around him.
Therein lies the secret of the sword. The answers come from God and none other. The Word from the scriptures of the Holy Bible are the sword. The Word being used by the right person is the key to unlocking the sword from the stone.
This is where I too seek wisdom; from the Word of God.
Occasionally a fairy tale or a fictional story will just line up to teach the same lessons.
Veteran’s Day seems to be one of those times.
LIFE IS SACRED
Because I love to live my life so seasonally; I have a definite opinion about each holiday.
Some holidays I do not approve of; and I’ll be glad to tell you why;. Other holidays I regard highly. I’ll also be glad to tell you why.
Sometimes I’m right; and sometimes I’m wrong; but I’ll be the first to tell you that is simply proof of my own human limitations. I am human; and for that reason I am always willing to listen to the other side of things. It is my nature to study matters and ponder them. It seems important to reconsider every breath that I take, if necessary. It seems that Sir Lancelot lived this way.
I never want to live my life NOT KNOWING or NOT CARING how I feel. There is a famous line in the movie production of FIRST KNIGHT where the King addresses Lancelot. He says, “Lancelot, just a thought. A man who fears nothing is a man who loves nothing; and if you love nothing, what joy is there in your life? I may be wrong.”
These words of the King clearly resonated with the heart of Lancelot. Until that moment he had considered his life worthless. With this new concept which involved love, life suddenly became sacred. Some of us keep commandments from duty. Those who love keep God’s commandments from their hearts. Now that life seemed sacred to Sir Lancelot, he wasn’t just willing to die, he was willing to die for only a worthy cause.
LOYALTY OF AN OPEN HEART
Until we open our hearts to Jesus, like Lancelot opened his heart to the King, our lives seem to be worthless. However, Once committed to our heavenly King, all of life becomes sacred. A sacred life is a joyful life. It is a well-lived life. Every moment becomes priceless. It is the realization and appreciation of the gift of time granted from the grace of God. The gift was given in order that we could become a part of His royal service.
Today I wish to explore the thoughts behind Veteran’s Day.
LET’S DEFINE THE DAY
Just what exactly is Veteran’s Day anyway? Veteran’s Day is a type of memorial. It is a day to remember those who have served our country in some military capacity.
Have you ever noticed how many times God has given us things to remember as memorials? The memorial to ponder in this moment is the characteristic of loyal service. How rare and precious this gift has become in these latter days in which we are living.
In case you have never considered this fact, memorials are an interesting study. One memorial is the occasion of the Passover. Passover is probably the most famous memorial. This is the part of the New Testament where Jesus says to His disciples; “Remember Me.” We commemorate this occasion whenever we take communion or participate in The Lord’s Supper or observe The Holy Eucharist.
We remember.
God frequently asks us to remember.
VETERAN’S DAY IS FOR REMEMBERING
God tells us to remember some things so often and so sternly that it is almost like He is shouting to us that we should never take ANYTHING for granted.
There are just some things that are too important to forget.
I never want to forget the people who risked their lives for my well-being and happiness.
Life/love/freedom/worship/the right to be accepted/the right to be warm and fed and clothed/the right to exist without strife/the right not to be the object of someone else’s hatred/the right to make our own choices/the right to move and act freely without unnecessary constraint are all part of what we owe to our Veterans. They fought so that we could enjoy such comforts and luxuries.
The Passover was about the right of the Israelites to worship God freely. When Jesus told us “Remember Me” I’m sure He was thinking about His commandment for us to love one another. He was also establishing a memorial to honor freedom. These are things to be memorialized and never taken for granted. Yeshua fought for our freedom with His life. Many valiant men have followed after Him, also choosing freedom to be sacred.
SOME THINGS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED
The Old Testament battles of Joshua, David, Solomon, Nehemiah, and so many more are all about the rights of God’s people to live freely in the land where God planted them. Their battles were directly or indirectly about the right to choose God’s way over man’s way.
Their causes were issues of justice, freedom and righteousness.
There are a million more things I could recall when God asked us to keep our thoughts and memories as a memorial. His desire is for us to never forget. Most of these memorials are things God has done; not mankind. However, you could say that every battle fought in every land anywhere had an ending with an outcome because God ordained it.
That might be hard for some people to swallow, but I believe that every action of our lives has been destined by God Almighty. That includes both wins and loses, successes and failures.
WORTHWHILE VICTORIES ARE WORTH COMMEMORATING
On the other hand, I know many people who will tell you the stories of how God led them through a miraculous victory in battle.
These things matter. They are of great importance. We feel they are worth fighting and defending. The loyal citizens feel they are worth protecting.
That is what Veterans have done for us.
SOMETIMES WAR CANNOT BE AVOIDED
Jesus Christ can be quoted as saying “ Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come not to bring peace but the sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
He goes on to predict accurately how households, men, women and children will grow to be divided among the nations because of opposing opinions and beliefs.
Jesus sends His disciples out to minister to these. He tells them how this will never be easy. They are sent out to fight a spiritual war against Satan and his helpers. My friends; all of life is a war.
Sometimes war cannot be avoided.
THE BRINGING OF THE SWORD
If you cannot manage to picture Jesus Christ as a mighty warrior, you might need to get to know Him a little better.
He KNEW He was entering a war zone when He came down to earth to defend us and deliver our souls. Just as any veteran who signed up for service KNEW he would be encountering a battle for the freedom of his nation at some point in time.
Jesus chose to join the battle. No one had to draft Him. He laid down His life willingly.
That is what a war veteran has done for you.
Can you not see the comparison?
PEOPLE ARE A HEAVENLY CAUSE
But you say – Jesus was fighting for heavenly causes. Well, yes; you and me and many others.
Our soldiers defending our country have done the same thing. They have defended you and me and others. These brave souls have defended our right to live a free and happy life. I know they do not compare with Jesus; but the two causes have great parallels. We must realize this.
Spiritual battles can actually be much harder than physical battles.
Christ endured both; a physical battle and a spiritual battle for our souls.
THE BATTLE FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
The only wars worthy of fighting are those fought for righteousness and justice.
These are the wars in which the sword must always prevail.
God has equipped us to win these wars because the greatest warrior that ever walked the earth leads us into such battles. He is Jesus Christ; the defender of justice and righteousness.
None of us truly have those same qualities; but with Him leading us, we are covered with His armor. The victory is certain.
A TIME FOR EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN
In His wisdom Jesus distinguished between the time to be still and the time to fight.
He let men lead Him to the cross. He was meek and silent. No defense was offered. In this He was strong. This was part of His battle strategy. He wasn’t being weak. Yeshua was doing the hard thing that had to be done in order to win the battle.
When He returns there will be a different type of battle strategy. Everyone will know the whole story. There will be no meekness; only a charge into a victorious battle. The victory is sure. The cause is right. Those who overcome will be at His side. Out of love for The King, they will promise their lives.
SOME WARS MUST BE FOUGHT TO OBTAIN PEACE
This is ironic; but true.
Pacifists, who usually despise Veteran’s Day, are quick to say that a God of peace would not allow or condone war. Constantly they are asking the hard to answer question; “why would a God of love allow war to take place?”
Then there is that other question: “Why would a fair God not want to bring about justice?”
Are you aware that we have an enemy?
This enemy is the cause of all wars; not God.
Sometimes; as much as we hate to think about it; justice requires war. Any other alternative is desirable; but not often attainable. GOD FIGHTS FOR US.
PEACE IS ALWAYS DESIRABLE
I DO think that God condemns luke-warm people who are unwilling to stand for justice and righteousness.
Does that mean I enjoy the thought of wars?
Absolutely not!
How I wish we could have peace on this earth. My constant desire is for the world to live in harmony, as brothers and sisters, just as God has always intended.
We all long for that day; but it seems so very far away.
There is only One who will ever be able to bring about peace on earth. His name is Jesus Christ. He too; is a veteran. He fought more wars for The Kingdom of Heaven than we could ever imagine.
THE VETERAN OF SOULS
Yeshua had to survive coming into the battleground at first. It must have been hard coming into the earthly realm after living in a place of total peace from which time does not exist. He had to leave that heavenly realm.
Like many soldiers; Christ gave up a beautiful home and a lovely life for the hard battle that needed to be fought and won. This was done so those he loved could have the abundant life He wanted to give to them.
He gave it all for us to have it all.
Isn’t that what a Veteran of war does for his country?
There are not many noble and true veterans left out there.
These brave and wise men aren’t as plentiful on this earth as they used to be.
WHO WILL DEFEND US IN THE FUTURE?
Presently we live in an environment that is more chaotic and evil than ever. More brave and committed Veterans will be needed in the days to come. We need the legacy of those who are willing to give their lives for those that they love. Nations with purposes must be defended by those who are anxious to defend justice and righteousness. Those are the only reasons for war.
GIVE HONOR WHERE HONOR IS DESERVED
If you know someone who has picked up their cross and laid down their life willingly in service, I suggest you extend honor to them on this Veteran’s day.
It just could be that they have been following in the pathway of the greatest warrior of all time. Perhaps, even after their days of official battle; we might still find them fighting a different kind of war.
They must now confront the ruins of life after war. War changes every man’s heart, and there is need for healing. This is often a daily struggle; yet it is still a type of war just the same.
Let’s lift them up in prayer. We must applaud them for serving our country so willingly.
YOUR PRAYERS MATTER TO THEM
Let us pray for others to come along and join in their legacy. Pray for us to become one nation under God again.
We need to pray for the right leaders over the new volunteers who will become the veterans of the future. Ask God to guide them and protect them. Let them not bring shame and disgrace to our country; but let them led our younger men and women into paths that are honorable, just, righteous and godly.
Men and women with good dedicated hearts are only as good as their leaders. Pray for capable, wise and godly leaders.
Let us look to the tried-and-true wisdom from these more experienced veterans. Carefully consider and follow the advice of who have already walked down the road and know the way.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
To all Veterans out there: Thank you for your service. Thank you for being the ones who are capable of removing the sword from the stone. The nation of America owes you so much. Our youth must learn from you.
In summary I will repeat a further passage of that scripture from Matthew, Chapter 10 which I referred to above. This part, which gives the words of that great warrior named Jesus Christ can be found in verses 38 through 42:
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
REWARDS – BOTH EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY
Some rewards are recognized and received while on the earth. Other rewards await those who will know the reign of Christ in eternity. If men do not always understand; just remember that God always does.
Do not lose hope but remember 2 Timothy 4:8:
From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
You haven’t seen a parade like this one that is coming.
It is going to be SOMETHING!
A King is coming; and He knows how to remove the sword from the stone.