I write this on Memorial Day.
During my time in the military we got to train other country’s military for different things.
This include forces in Iraq and Ukraine.
I imagine my emotions are similar to other veterans: When you have rub shoulders with other country forces that had to fight tough enemies you become emotionally invested when you hear about them in the news. Of course when things gets covered by the media things aren’t going well.
When I was still in the Marines one of the country forces we trained were really good and professional. Yet months later a bigger country invaded them. There was that sick feeling I got when you hear the bigger country got their objectives.
After I got I remember that feeling with the rise of ISIS and thinking about the Iraqis fighting ISIS. You start thinking about all those who died and you don’t their deaths to be in vain.
A few years later another of the country we trained was invaded by a big country. The news was that the naval infantry/Marines we trained put up a good fight but were wiped out. Very sobering.
The fall of Afghanistan was equally troubling to me. I never served my time there but the images and clips from the Media parallel a lot with the fall of Vietnam and my own family history has people effected and killed with the secret war side of the Vietnam War.
I have to come to terms that kingdoms come and go.
But there’s that feeling: Wouldn’t it be great to serve in a context where the political higher ups don’t ruin it all, where things we have done are so sure never in vain.
I’ve been thinking about it the last few weeks. Christians have been giving the greatest mission: The Great Commission. We are led not by a king but the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. He said He will never leave us nor forsake us. We are called to take the Gospel to every nation. The partnership one have with other Christians in other countries are never in vain; our God is behind our endeavors.
Maybe just my simple Sourthern mind but I do believe we are close to either our one way ticket to God’s space or maybe the alliance really will bring heaven on earth..God is always in control.
Amen God is always in Control. By the way I love the Southern Mindset now that I live here now =)
I’m thankful that in my short military stint I served during the Cold War.
I view Memorial Day as not only for the fallen, the dead. It is also for those indelibly affected by their service. And these are those who can perhaps most benefit from the Good News, whether abroad or in our backyard, so to speak.
Thanks for sharing. What branch and years did you serve? God bless you for your service!
AF, eons ago.
To be clear, I didn’t refer to myself in the post. I meant many of the veterans I’ve encountered over the years, some of whom were very affected by things witnessed and experienced.
Thanks for this post and for the larger context. Today we think about the Americans who gave their lives defending the temporal freedoms we often take for granted. Not to take away from that, but it also struck me that we rarely think about the multitudes of Christian martyrs who would not bend the knee to religious authoritarianism so that we might have the Bible, worship in freedom, and proclaim the Gospel. Those freedoms are not everywhere as you know better than the rest of us and refer to above.
Excellent insight. We ought to have “Martyrs Day”.
Thanks! Yup, while we certainly do appreciate the sacrifice of the fallen U.S. soldiers, it’s sad that the martyrs of the Faith are rarely mentioned (or if at all) from evangelical pulpits these days.
It would be fitting for a day for international martyrs. You got a good point. How was yesterday??
Yesterday, went well, thanks! But I’m ready to take a break from hosting another large gathering anytime soon.
How is your Memorial Day going?
And by the way, I sent you an email about some disturbing news that I came across today.
Oh man, as you know Nathan is retired Army and we say the same thing about martyrs of the faith as well. If there is one thing the military and martyrs know better than average, everyday souls is sacrifice. I am thankful for all those who have sacrificed on my behalf, none more so than Jesus. I am so glad you shared these thoughts, Tom!
Thanks, Mandy! I appreciate Nathan and all those who served in the military. I often take the temporal freedoms we enjoy in this country for granted, but Jimmy’s new ministry has made me reflect on the freedoms here. Yup, the sacrifice of military personnel brings to mind sacrifice of the Christian martyrs. My recent readings on the Inquisition sharpened my appreciation of the stalwart faith of believers in the face of torturous persecution.
I look forward to that review!
Indeed as believers, we are called to serve in Christ’s blessed gathering of witnesses. While I never served in the military, some of my extended family members did. Thankfully, all returned home safely.
Glad they came back safely
Excellent brother. This is it: “Christians have been giving the greatest mission: The Great Commission. We are led not by a king but the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. “
Thank you for your service.
Thanks for your kind words they mean a lot brother
TY
It is very difficult to understand why men are constantly in battle. I look forward to the day when all tears, sickness, death, and war will be wiped away. Have a blessed day.
Sister B,
I look forward to that day too: “I look forward to the day when all tears, sickness, death, and war will be wiped away. ”
Amen
Good word for a somber day.
Grateful for those who sacrificed their life in serving.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for his friends.
Such a powerful and relevant verse
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