Military Devotion – Leading Under the Chief Shepherd ā July 4, 2025
Based on 1 Peter 5:1-4
As Americans, July 4th marks a day of great celebration and remembrance. We recall the courage and sacrifice of those who declared independence in 1776 and the generations of military service members who have since defended the freedoms established in that declaration. Itās a time to fly flags, sing patriotic hymns, and reflect on the blessings of liberty. But for the Christianāparticularly for us as confessional Lutheransāthis day is also an opportunity to reflect on a greater freedom and a higher allegiance.
This coming Sunday you may hear from the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:1-4. At first glance these words may not seem military themed, but they speak directly to the kind of leadership and service that we see in those who serve both in the armed forces and in the church.
The apostle Peter writes to the elders, the pastorsāthose called to shepherd Godās flock. Peter does not speak from a high and mighty position but as a fellow shepherd. He encourages them to lead as those under ordersānot from men, but from the Chief Shepherd himself, Jesus Christ.
In the military, leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. Officers and non-commissioned leaders are charged not simply with giving commands but with caring for those under them. A good commander knows his troops. He trains them, sacrifices for them, and even risks his life for them. The same holds true in the church. Those who are called to leadāpastors, elders, fathers, and all spiritual shepherdsālead not for personal gain or status but with a heart conformed to Christās example of suffering and service.
Peter insists that such leaders are not to lord their authority over others. There is no room in the church for prideful command or self-serving power. Instead, those who serve in leadership are to be examples to the flock. This too resonates with military life. The best leaders are those who never ask of their troops what they themselves are not willing to do. They lead from the front. They bear burdens, carry weight, and are the last to eat or sleep. They model duty, honor, and courage.
So too in the church. The Christian shepherd leads with humility. He does not dominate but disciples. He feeds with the Word of God. He defends against the false teachings that threaten the flock. He binds up the wounded and seeks the straying. And in all of this, he follows Christāthe Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep.
On this day when we remember the sacrifices of our military and the blessings of our nation, we must not forget that we are citizens of two kingdoms, that of our nation and of heaven. Our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Because nations rise and fall. Flags are raised and lowered. But the kingdom of God endures forever. And in that kingdom, our Chief Shepherd reigns victoriousācrucified, risen, and ascended.
Those who serve faithfully in his nameāwhether in pulpits or pews, in homes or in foxholes or on shipsāwill receive an unfading crown of glory. This is not a medal pinned on a uniform but the eternal reward of being in the presence of Christ forever. It is not earned through valor in battle or perfect obedience but through the grace of God given in Christ Jesus, who has already won the victory.
This weekend let us remember both our military leaders and our spiritual shepherds. Let us pray for them, that they may be faithful, humble, and strong in the Lord. Let us also take up our own callingsāto serve our neighbor, to proclaim Christ crucified and risen, and to live as citizens of heaven even while we live in this nation.
And let us do all of this looking forward to the day when our Chief Shepherd returns and all those who have fought the good fight of faith will receive their eternal rewardānot because of their greatness, but because of his.
Prayer:
Almighty God, on this day of national celebration, we give you thanks for the blessings of liberty and the sacrifices made to secure it. We thank you especially for the freedom that comes through your Son, Jesus Christ, and the faithful shepherds who lead us in his name. Strengthen all who serve in authority, whether in the church or the military, that they may lead with humility, wisdom, and love. Keep us faithful in our vocations, and fix our eyes always on the Chief Shepherd, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.
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