Military Devotion – July 29, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 4:9,10

See series: Military Devotions

Desertion brings shame. In times of war, it may bring death by a firing squad. But before one can desert, one must first belong.

On the opening day of the First Battle of Bull Run, citizens of Washington, D.C., came out to Manassas to enjoy the event as spectators. When troops of the South overran the Northern forces, the civilians quickly turned their horses and buggies around and scrambled back home with the battle following them.

They did not desert. They evacuated.

When the bugle sounded to call the army of the Confederacy back to a more secure position for the night, they did not desert. They withdrew.

When the Union soldier panicked at the sight of the Rebels pouring over defensive lines, threw his rifle down, left others to deal with the threat, and ran back to D.C., this was not a retreat.

This was desertion.

He belonged at the front. He belonged at his post. He belonged at the edge of the creek called Bull Run to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with his comrades.

His desertion was despicable.

So was the desertion of an early Christian named Demas.

The apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, “Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.”

The apostle was in prison at Rome, awaiting a trial that would order his execution. In this letter, he begs Timothy to hurry to his side.

Timothy may have read and reread this last letter with tears blurring his eyes, but every line braced him with the power to make him bold in the battle against the old evil foe and his forces of darkness. He was encouraged to fight to the death so that he might receive the crown of life waiting for him.

He would rush in where Demas did not want to stay.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote, “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” He calls Demas a fellow worker in his letter to Philemon. We wonder how someone who had served so well in the work of the Lord could turn his back on it.

The apostle provides the answer with the words, “because he loved this world.”

Desertions at Bull Run may have been caused by fear. The desertion at Rome was driven by love—love of the world.

We can understand that. There is much in this world that appeals to us. Much of that is not wrong. The good things in life are God’s gifts to us.

The bad things of the world do not spring from God though this world seems saturated with them. Yet, this also appeals to us. Sin, in many forms, calls out its invitation to taste the forbidden fruit. Our sinful nature wants to run to it. But to do so is to run away from God.

The apostle John issues the warning. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

But what if we have already fallen in love with the world? What if we have quietly slipped away from the fight against evil? What if we have abandoned the path of righteousness and crossed over to the “dark side”?

Saint John answers: “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1,2).

There is hope for those who have abandoned their post in the army of the Holy Christian Church. As the parable of the prodigal son shows, our heavenly Father waits with open arms for his beloved child to return.

Jesus, the Son of God, speaks up for us. He has wiped away our failures.

The Holy Spirit reminds us that we have renounced the devil with all his works and all his ways.

The Lord of all calls us to duty and honor.

Our soul has heard that call. It answers in renewed and determined faith. By the power of God, we shall win the victory and receive that crown of life.

For us, desertion is not an option.

Military Devotion – July 15, 2022

Devotion based on Galatians 5:25

See series: Military Devotions

If there is one thing the branches of our armed forces do well, it is training people how to stay in step.

This is drilled into recruits, then repeatedly reinforced.

Some might think this is only done to look sharp in parades. However, instructors know there is much more to it. Staying in step with the rest not only demonstrates unity but also fosters unity.

Unity flows from singular leadership.

Only one voice sets the cadence. Only one person determines the route. Only one sets the start and stop points.

We can easily envision the chaos if each person decided when to start, when to turn, and how fast to march.

The solution to chaos is clear: Stay in step!

The same directive is issued to those who serve in the kingdom of God as part of the church militant.

Jesus called out to those who would do battle against the forces of evil: “Follow me!”

We don’t need to be able to see him to follow him. God, the Holy Spirit, is in perfect unity with God the Son and God the Father. Using the sacred written Word, the Holy Spirit directs our steps in life to stay in unity with him—and thus with them.

He will not lead us astray. In the words of King David, “He guides me in the paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3).

David knew where his march through life would end. “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

Our path in life seems clear enough. We listen to the voice of the Savior God to lead us on.

It seems easy enough.

Except, it isn’t. It’s a life and death battle.

For there is another voice that calls out to us. This one wants us to march in a different direction to a different destination. The promised prize is happiness and peace. It sounds so good. It is so tempting.

It is so deadly.

This is the voice of the one who wants only to lead us to pain, regret, and destruction.

It is the disguised voice of our worst enemy.

It is the voice of Satan calling us onto the path that his rebellious angels followed him down.

His path appeals to our sinful flesh even though that path is littered with the pitfalls of immorality, hatred, jealousy, fits of rage, and the like.

Follow his lead, stay in step with him, and our last breath will lead to the gate that says, “Abandon hope all you who enter here.” It is the gate to hell.

By contrast, the path of the Holy Spirit is marked by wonderful things like joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and the like.

The Holy Spirit brings all the good things that the death of Jesus won for us.

King David was right. This is the path of righteousness. This leads to our forever home in heaven.

We will stay in step with the Holy Spirit as we march forward from grace to glory.

Won’t we?

God grant it.

Military Devotion – July 1, 2022

Devotion based on Proverbs 17:17

See series: Military Devotions

They are brothers—though they come from different families. By ties weaved together under conditions of stress and danger, a group of people can become so tightly connected that they regard each other as true brothers, even if they are not related by blood—unless one counts spilled blood.

Civilians have heard about the Band of Brothers and have been entertained by Hollywood’s depiction. But those who have had their lives tied to a group like this know there is more to it than can be seen on the screen or explained to families.

Typically, this type of brotherhood (which can include women) is formed by former strangers undergoing such trying and dangerous times that their lives have become fused together.

For them, “I’ve got your six!” is not merely a nice phrase, but a promise that will be backed up with action.

That’s a special setting.

The Bible shows there is even more to the picture.

A brother such as this, was born for just such a time as this. The Lord God, in infinite wisdom, knew what his servants were going to run into down the path of life. He knew the time would come when they would need someone to battle alongside them.

The Lord of life controlled when these people would be born. He enabled them to have the necessary training and skills. He saw to it that these very people would be put together at this time in history. He is the one who forms the band of brothers.

We think in terms of coincidence and luck. He works by design.

It’s humbling to think that, with no input from us, we were born into a certain family, at a certain time, in a certain place on this globe. He did the same to others so they could be part of his plan for our lives.

The God who promised: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) was preparing to keep that promise even before we were born. He arranged for the help to be there when adversity arose.

Of course, this applies to more than military persons and to situations apart from war. People of all ages and circumstances are under the watchful eye of their loving Savior. He sends the friend indeed in times of need.

More than normal helpers or caregivers, these friends are extraordinary. They are tied to us in a special way. They become like family. Of them, we might say, “Blessed be the tie that binds!”

We are indeed blessed when our heavenly Father sends special people into our lives just when we need them most!

This is a part of a larger plan and an even superior band of brothers. It includes one our eyes have not yet seen. He is the brother sent from heaven.

He was there when we were born. He was there as we traveled the winding roads of life. He will stay with us as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He will be there to welcome us to the other side.

As we celebrate Independence Day, we remember those special people the Lord has sent into our lives at times of adversity. We think of the Son of God who took on human flesh to fight for us in the battle for our souls.

We pause on this day to salute our brother from heaven.

Military Devotion – June 17, 2022

Devotion based on Exodus 3:11,12

See series: Military Devotions

The Lord God has a plan for each one of his people. His plan includes missions to carry out and responsibilities to fill. He does not have the exact same plan for everyone. When God issues marching orders, they correspond to the gifts he has given to the individual, and the work that he wants to accomplish through that person.

To the question, “Who am I?” the answer must be given: “A creation of the holy God, assigned to this place and time to carry out his work and bring glory to his name.”

Any other answer is presumptuous—and wrong. We are only kidding ourselves if we think we exist apart from the will of God and are on earth to do only what we choose. Sooner or later that illusion will fade like fog before the bright sun.

This doesn’t mean we don’t have choices. The Lord gives us a great degree of freedom. We might pick a career preference. We may choose to become married—or not.

What we cannot do is choose to ignore his orders. A summary of them is in the Ten Commandments. In addition, specific orders also come to specific people.

Moses was ordered to personally go to Pharaoh to announce that the Israelites would leave Egypt. Moses was assigned the task of being the leader of the exodus. His response was, “Who am I?” He was saying he was not equal to the task. He was offering an excuse.

God countered the excuse with the words: “I certainly will be with you.” He backed up the words of assurance by giving Moses a glimpse of the future. After the successful exodus, Moses would return to this very spot to worship his Lord and God. Moses had no excuse. Neither do we.

One of the greatest missions we can receive is to be a parent, and thus responsible for the protection, nurture, and development of someone’s early life. Both parents, whether their children are naturally born to them or adopted, are charged with the task of being faithful to their assignment. It is not an easy job. It is tempting to say, “Who am I?” and at times offer the excuse that this is beyond our ability. That excuse will not be accepted.

On Father’s Day we especially think of the grave responsibility that is assigned to fathers as head of the family. If our grandfathers thought it was difficult to carry out that assignment years ago, how much more difficult is it in the world of today?

But difficulty is no excuse. Neither are personal inadequacies. As he said to Moses, so our God says to us: “I will certainly be with you.”

We have no excuse. What we do have is a promise!

That promise is backed by blood—holy blood. The Son of God left the glory of heaven to be with us mortals. He did not abandon us to the fate we deserved or the satanic powers of darkness. He will not abandon us when we take on tasks he has assigned to us—as difficult as they may be.

“I will certainly be with you.” he says.

He is not against us. He is not away from us. He is with us.

He is there to bless us—and to bless others through us.

Military Devotion – June 3, 2022

Devotion based on Exodus 1:8

See series: Military Devotions

Of course, things change. Spring converts into summer. Software is updated. We expect such changes. We adjust to them and move on. We often welcome change. It prevents boredom.

But sometimes, change is not wanted.

The onset of an illness, an accident, or the death of someone close to us, are unwelcome changes.

We know we must expect them. But they are not so easy to accept.

Then, there are the changes that we do not expect, do not want, and regret after they happen. Sometimes, they involve relationships.

Ancient Israel faced just such a change with the governing powers of Egypt.

An Israelite by the name of Joseph had once saved the nation of Egypt from starvation. So vital was his role that Pharoah elevated Joseph to one of the highest seats of power—and welcomed his family with appreciation.

The seventy family members from the land of Canaan were invited to stay as guests in Egypt. They were honored out of respect for what Joseph had done.

It was a warm relationship—until it changed.

We might fault the new king for not knowing Joseph’s vital role in Egypt’s past. But then, we know how easy it is to forget the roles foreigners played in our past.

How many remember the young Frenchman who played a critical role in our War for Independence? He was highly honored by us when he was alive. One hundred fifty years later, he still was highly regarded.

“Layfette, we are here!” American doughboys announced upon landing in France in World War One.

But today, few Americans even know that the cities called Fayetteville were named in honor of the young French soldier, Marquis de Lafayette.

Why, then, should we be surprised to learn that the Egyptian government didn’t know about a Joseph who had helped them out 400 years earlier?

From a favored position, the Israelites had fallen to become despised and feared in Egypt.

Things changed.

The same can happen to us. People that we once counted on, organizations that once appreciated us, and relationships that we once treasured can fade away. Friends can become enemies. Our sense of security can be shattered.

“Change and decay in all around, I see,” the hymnist laments.

The line of pharaohs had changed. Egypt had changed. The status of Israel had changed.

The God of Israel had not.

His promise was the same as always. His love was the same. So was his guarding presence.

The miraculous life-saving exodus from Egypt was proof of that.

The miraculous life-saving arrival of his Son into this world was greater proof.

The death and resurrection of his Son is the greatest proof.

It shows that we are free from the deadly grip of evil. We can scoff at its threat.

Jesus said it best, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Military Devotion – May 20, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 24:50,51

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We might wonder if angels wonder about us.

We eagerly and joyfully celebrate the entrance of Jesus of Nazareth into our world at Bethlehem. Special music sounds from our airwaves as early as November 1. Special trees are placed into homes. Special sales are advertised to shoppers hungry to buy. Special gifts are given. Special worship services are held.

The Christian world, and much of the secular, pause and hush to hear the music of “Silent Night” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.

And the victorious departure of Jesus of Nazareth to his heavenly home?

No Ascension Day sales, no decorating of houses, no special foods—should we say, no notice?

Surely, no song labeled “O Little Town of Bethany.”

We can understand the non-Christian world ignoring a holiday that does not offer special food or entertainment. It’s the expected response to the question, “What’s in it for me?”

But how do we explain the silence and inaction of those who claim this Jesus as their rescuer and ruler?

Surely the angels must wonder about this.

If we imagine that Christmas is celebrated with songs of joy by the heavenly host, if we expect that Easter rings with shouts of “Hallelujah!” by saints and angels, what do we envision the remembrance of the Ascension to be like?

Would heaven forget the day Jesus returned to his throne on high from his victorious mission to rescue mankind?

Hardly.

Through a prophetic vision, the psalmist declared, “God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets” (Psalm 47:5).

In the Bible, we hear, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9).

In the Easter hymn, we sing, “He lives eternally to save. He lives all-glorious in the sky; He lives exalted there on high.” (CW 152:2)

The return of Jesus to his throne of glory in heaven is wonderful news. But it is also critical news.

We need him to claim his throne. We need him to rule over all things on heaven and earth for us.

He said he would return to heaven to his father when his mission was accomplished. He declared he was going to prepare a place for us in his father’s house.

He backed that up with a promise.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3).

His ascension to heaven is our blessed assurance that he will, indeed, enable us to ascend to heaven as well.

How could we forget Ascension Day?

We should not.

We dare not.

We will not.

Military Devotion – May 6, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 10:31

See series: Military Devotions

“After the battle, everything was pretty foggy. I stopped praying; I grew up in a Christian environment, but I didn’t believe it anymore. Human flesh melting on steel? Someone’s not listening.”¹

This soldier’s words are disturbing. But sadly, not surprising. They can be easily brushed aside by those who have no idea how disturbing combat can be.

Those who have seen the inside of horror may nod their heads in understanding even if they disagree with the warrior’s conclusion.

When the shock is so great, one is prone to say, “This cannot be!” At other times, one feels forced to scream, “This should not be!”

If it should not be, then someone must be at fault. Someone must be blamed.

Sometimes, it seems no one is left to blame other than the one who is said to watch over the world.

That someone is the living God.

There is a natural tendency to acknowledge that a supreme being operates on a plane higher than humans. The evidence is there in nature. The confirmation rests in one’s conscience.

To deny the existence of the One who is greater is to lie to oneself.

It can be done. But most are not willing to take that step.

More commonly, people may envision a big guy in the sky who might be able to give help.

They see him similar to a helper in a preschool room. Besides tying shoes and giving out smiles, this is the one who watches over the youngsters to keep them safe. If a scuffle breaks out, this is the one that prevents it from getting out of hand.

The helper is blamed if someone gets hurt. What good are they if they cannot keep serious harm from happening?

If God is viewed as the helper for the world, he is blamed when the horrible happens.

“Someone’s not listening!” the disgusted warrior complained.

The one he had thought of as God failed to keep the warfare to an acceptable level.

The soldier knew some could be wounded in firefights. He expected some might even die. But to his mind, none—not even one—should have their flesh melted on hot steel!

So, this angry creature of dust raised his voice in empty righteous wrath to scold his creator and judge.

Someone should warn him. Someone should remind him that the Lord of creation does not answer to him. He does not answer to anyone. And never does he fail to do what is right.

The Bible speaks of such people. It says of them, “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:18).

They will learn, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

The soldier is deadly wrong. But we understand him. That same haughty spirit lives in us, and at times, it takes control of our words and actions.

But the Spirit of Christ also dwells within us. His voice overrides the foolishness of evil. His spirit calls for forgiveness. It begs for greater strength to battle evil.

It is the voice of Satan that accuses the holy God. It is the blood of Jesus that washes away our guilt of listening to the rebellious angel.

The Holy Spirit, the Comforter from on high, quiets our disturbed souls and allows peace to come to hurting hearts.

We hear the assurance, “Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side.”

Scold God?

Never.

¹From The Things they Cannot Say, page 132.

Military Devotion – April 22, 2022

Devotion based on John 21:9,10

See series: Military Devotions

It might have looked like a picnic. But it wasn’t.

It was by a lake. A small group of men was gathered near some fish cooking over hot coals, and some bread was there. Seeing this, someone might have thought perhaps it was a crew of fishermen gathered for breakfast. Indeed, it might have been that.

But it was not a picnic.

These men had recently gone through traumatic experiences. One of their friends had recently committed suicide. Another had shamelessly denied he belonged to this group. Their leader had been executed.

These men had witnessed the horrible and seen the impossible. They were coping with the horrendous aftermath of one event and the wonderful afterglow of another.

They were eight of the famous twelve disciples of Jesus. They were meeting with the one who had died and then rose from the dead. They wrestled with a jumble of emotions. Their lives had been radically changed. Their relationship with Jesus was now very different. He no longer stayed with them, and he suddenly would appear and then disappear.

They knew he would soon leave them and not return.

They had to process all this. They needed to decompress. They wanted to know what to expect in the future. One of them questioned if he still was accepted as a disciple.

Indeed, their lives were not a picnic.

So, they sat by the fire, ate some food, and waited to hear what Jesus had to say. They did not have to wait long.

Finishing breakfast, Jesus turned to Simon Peter and asked, “Do you truly love me more than these?”

It was a painful question. Peter had once bragged that he loved Jesus more than all the other disciples. Now, he answered in meekness.

“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He did not add, “More than these.”

Again, he was asked, “Do you truly love me?” The word “truly” reflects a deep form of love, a love like what God has for the world.

Again, Peter did not claim that high level of love. He just repeated, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” This type of love was small and humble.

Then Jesus changed the question. He used a different word for love. “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

The question hurt Peter. He was being asked if he had even a small and feeble love for Jesus.

No longer bragging, no longer sure of his own strength, now Peter appealed to the omniscience of Jesus.

“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

We can relate to Peter. Too often, our love for the Savior God has been feeble and faltering. There have been times when someone looking in at our life would not have recognized us as a redeemed child of God.

But, like Peter, Jesus has not forgotten us nor forsaken us. Instead, he comes to us in Word and sacrament to assure us that he forgives us. He points to the scars on his hands and feet. He assures us with the inspired words, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

We wait for his plans for us to unfold, as did those disciples by the lake. We look forward to when he will return.

From then on, our lives will indeed be like a picnic.

Military Devotion – April 8, 2022

Devotion based on Mark 11:9-10

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It was a different type of crowd that streamed into Jerusalem for the Passover that year. It buzzed with excitement. It came with expectations. Many believed they were going to crown a king.

It surely looked that way.

The palm branches and cloaks spread on the road; the chants of “Hosanna”; the sight of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey—all this reminded them of the prophet’s words: “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt” (Zechariah 9:9).

The chosen 12 disciples thought for sure they were on their way to his coronation. The mother of two of them quickly submitted their names for choice spots in his government.

For the Jewish leaders, an attempt to crown Jesus as King of the Jews was one of their greatest fears. If successful, they expected he would quickly throw them out of their positions of power just as he had thrown the moneychangers out of the temple. How the Romans would react to this insurrection was another great fear.

Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, and Herod, king of Galilee, were concerned about the possibility of Jesus being crowned as a king to take their places. They feared the repercussions that would come from the powers back at Rome. The Roman Senate did not tolerate disturbances to the famed “Pax Romana,” the peace which existed between nationalities within the Roman Empire.

Even if the attempt at rebellion by this Jesus was quickly smashed, heads would roll—and not necessarily figuratively.

By the end of this week, many charges would be raised against the rabbi from Nazareth. For the Jewish leaders, the condemning one was that he claimed to be the Son of God. By Jewish law, that called for the death sentence, even though they no longer had the right to carry it out.

For the Romans, it was the claim to be a king that sealed his fate. And Rome did have the authority to carry out a legal execution.

We might ask if the frenzied Palm Sunday crowd realized how dangerous the situation was. If they did, they might have dismissed the danger by pointing out that Jesus of Nazareth had already shown that he was not intimidated by Jewish or Roman authorities. In fact, it seemed he was not afraid of anyone or anything.

If he could drive out demons, cure afflictions with a touch, and raise the dead, what chance did his enemies have to overpower him?

He didn’t need an army to back his claim to the throne. He was in possession of superhuman power.

He showed that supremacy when the detachment of soldiers came to arrest him in Gethsemane. The mere words, “I am he” threw them to the ground, helpless.

What chance did his enemies have to prevent him from taking over as their king?

The very chance that he gave them. He would not resist them. He came to place himself into their hands. That had been the plan all along.

The Jewish leaders, the Romans, and the Palm Sunday crowds misunderstood his objective. They thought he was aiming for a crown of silver or gold.

He had in mind a different crown.

He rode into Jerusalem on that day to receive a crown of thorns.

Thereby, he won for us the crown of life.

Thus, he gained his victory—and so did we.

Military Devotion – March 25 2022

Devotion based on Isaiah 1:27

See series: Military Devotions

The story of our salvation is the story of Zion redeemed.

Mount Zion was a hill in Jerusalem the Canaanites had used as a fortress. Zion became a synonym for Jerusalem as well as for the whole land of Israel. Sometimes, it also represents the people of God, the holy Christian church.

Through the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Spirit pointed an accusing finger at his people with the words, “Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt…” He went on to identify the guilt. “They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him” (Isaiah 2:4ff).

This will have consequences. Isaiah admits, “Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.”

We can picture what that would be like. We have seen photos of destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We have learned of the power the Creator has at his command. It is frightful.

Long before, Moses had written of the Holy One, “We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation” (Psalm 90:7).

How does someone escape this fury? What can be done to turn away his anger? Could sinners pay a fine? Could they offer a bribe? Could those people pay the Holy One off by offering him sacrifices?

They tried it. It didn’t work. It will never work. He scolded them, “Stop bringing meaningless offerings!”

He told them, “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.”

But then they heard, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).

How can that be? Those people surely were not able to stop sinning, were they? They surely were not able to make up for the evil they had done by trying extra hard to do good, were they?

Of course not. They and we must confess with the prophet, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

Filthy rags! That’s the best we can offer. It’s an impossible situation for us.

But not for the Redeemer God. As Jesus would tell the people of his day, “All things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27). The LORD himself would step into that impossible situation.

“Zion will be redeemed with justice” Scripture declares.

Jesus brought that justice into the courtroom of the Judge of all. The Son of God was absolutely without guilt. But he assumed the debt of the guilty. So, he became guilty.

He was found guilty. He was given the death sentence. It was carried out on Golgotha.

The debt once owned by humans is now paid for.

How does one become the recipient of the payment, the redemption?

The need for help needs to be recognized. Sorrow for sin needs to be felt. The Holy Spirit seeks to enable that. It is called repentance.

Thus, the word is given that Zion will be redeemed with justice, and it is explained, “her penitent ones with righteousness.”

The righteousness of the Holy One of God now covers the former guilty ones who place their trust in the Savior God. So, the apostle can announce, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

That’s it! Zion has peace with God. Zion is redeemed.

And we are Zion.

Military Devotion -March 11, 2022

Devotion based on1 John 3:8

See series: Military Devotions

When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, America went to war. The result was a devastating defeat for the invaders.

A few years later, American leaders responded to the reports of Iraq having weapons of mass destruction and evidence that its leader authorized the slaughter of countless men, women, and children who were Kurds.

America returned to war in Iraq—this time determined to eliminate the regime’s leadership that caused so much death and destruction.

To enable our troops to identify the leaders, their pictures were put onto what looked like playing cards. Troops didn’t need to learn the Arabic names. They could just refer to “The 10 of Diamonds” and everyone knew who that person was and what he looked like. The top target was the president of the country.

He was pictured on the Ace of Spades.

When the Son of God was sent to earth to destroy the powers of darkness, he knew their leader carried the name Satan.

Thus, we can say, during the mission of Jesus on this earth, his chief target was the prince of darkness. His card, if there were one, would be the Ace of Spades.

The one known in Nazareth as the carpenter’s son spent some 30 years preparing for the showdown. When the time was right, it was the Holy Spirit who led him onto that battlefield in the desert for the opening round. Satan came carrying the primary weapons of satanic forces: deceit and intimidation.

He began the attack with the words, “If you are the Son of God…” followed by commands to “tell these stones to become bread” and “throw yourself down” from the high point of the temple.

It was a trap. If Jesus had done these things, as he easily could have, he would have appeared to have accepted Satan as his commander.

He did not.

The last attack in the desert by Satan revealed his true objective. After showing Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in their splendor, he said, “All this I will give you if you bow down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9).

Much earlier, while yet in heaven, Satan and his followers had challenged the authority of the Lord God to rule over them. Now on earth, Satan renewed the challenge. Jesus didn’t flinch. Instead, he issued his own command, “Away from me, Satan!”

Satan yielded. He had to. Satan left. Angels rushed to the side of the victor.

During his ministry here, Jesus won battle after battle against his adversaries. Repeatedly, they retreated to fight another day.

Until.

Until there was no chance of retreat. Until the day that the Lord of life crushed the powers of darkness by sacrificing himself for mankind. He defeated sin, death, and the devil by dying. He proved his victory by rising from the dead.

The hymnist called Jesus, “Death of death and hell’s destruction.”

The leader of the satanic state was taken down. He is now detained with limited freedom. The holy, almighty God controls the length of the chain he is tied to.

He still boasts as if he is unstoppable. But he is faking it. He knows the gates of hell will slam shut on him at the time of God’s choosing. Those who follow him will share his misery.

He is running for his life, but his path leads only to a pit—the pit of hell.

Rightly we sing, “Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill; they shall not overpower us.
This world’s prince may still scowl fierce as he will, he can harm us none.
He’s judged, the deed is done! One little word can fell him.” (Christian Worship 863:3)

That word is “Jesus.”

Military Devotion – February 25, 2022

Devotion based on Matthew 13:43

See series: Military Devotions

Those who expect to take a trip to a new land, whether in peace or war, appreciate seeing some pictures of where they are heading. As their eyes gaze upon the unknown spaces, their minds try to place themselves into the picture.

Jungle or desert? Mountains or ocean? What are the people like in that place? What will it be like to be there?

The future is unknown, but a picture may make one say, “I think I’m going to like it there!” Of course, it may also lead one to conclude, “I’m going to hate it!”

They who realize that they are strangers here on earth naturally wonder what it will be like to live in the place that Jesus is preparing for them. They pay special attention to the verses of the Bible that offer descriptions of life in heaven.

The closer their departure date seems, the more closely they may look at the pictures Scripture provides.

There is no video of heaven, not even a snapshot. Yet, a fellow named Stephen got a preview. He said, “Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). But he was quickly killed and had no chance to describe in greater detail what he saw.

The apostle Paul reported that he once was caught up to paradise but told us he heard “inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.”

So, we are left with other words of Scripture to tell us about heaven. We learn what is not there: no sin, no sorrow, no pain, or death. Instead, joy, peace, and glory will be enjoyed by us forever.

The transfiguration of Jesus gives us a glimpse of that glory.

Regarding Jesus, Matthew tells us, “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light (17:2). Moses and Elijah, who left this world long before, showed up. Then, a bright cloud surrounded them. From the cloud, a voice declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Visitors from heaven had arrived. It was exciting. It was terrifying. It was a glimpse of heavenly glory.

A blaze of light had pierced the darkness. The apostle Peter later wrote that he was an eyewitness of divine majesty. He surely was!

But there was more. The Holy Spirit inspired Saint Matthew to show the connection between the transfiguration of Jesus and the followers of Jesus.

Matthew reports that Jesus had just described what will happen to those who reject him and follow Satan. On judgement day, his angels “will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

And what about those who follow Jesus?

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

Jesus had shone like the sun. In eternity, so will we.

That’s worth remembering during the dark and cloudy days in our lives. We are going to share in the glory of the Son of God.

Exactly what will that be like?

Wait and see.

Military Devotion – February 11, 2022

Devotion based on Isaiah 21:9

See series: Military Devotions

The prophet Isaiah begins the 21st chapter of his book with these words: “An oracle concerning the Desert by the Sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping through the south land, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.”

This was Isaiah’s famous Desert Storm.

Just a little bit north of Baghdad was the city of Babylon, the heart of the Babylonian Empire, which spread terror far and wide.

The Southern Kingdom of Israel had barely escaped extinction by the Assyrians only to face invasion by Babylon. The walls of Jerusalem were breached. The magnificent temple of Solomon was first stripped of its precious pieces and then leveled to the ground.

Uncounted numbers of Israelites were slaughtered. Long lines of prisoners plodded over desert paths to head for lifelong captivity. There was no escaping the death-grip.

The Lord God promised they would be released after 70 years. But how could that be?

Through the mouth of his prophet, the Lord God tells them how.

“Like whirlwinds sweeping through the south land, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.”

It will be like a desert storm.

Americans who have spent time in that desert can see the picture in their mind’s eye. They have seen the brown clouds of sand that blow with stinging force. A desert storm can quickly destroy most everything in its path.

That’s what happened to Babylon in its self-satisfied and comfortable arrogance.

Coming up from the south like a desert storm, the Persians blew through the Babylonian outposts and smashed its defenses. The news spread throughout the desert regions.

“Babylon has fallen, has fallen!”

Unbelievable! But true.

Israel’s rebellion against its gracious God brought his decree of captivity. Now, he proclaims the fall of her captor. He decrees Israel will be free again.

The Lord God keeps his promises—always.

He announced the judgment against rebellious humans with the words: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19).

This was a death sentence. Humans were now captive to sin, death, and the devil.

But not forever.

Satan was warned that his death grip would be broken. The Lord spoke of One who would come to set his people free. “He will crush your head…” (Genesis 3:15).

Isaiah foretold Israel’s freedom with the words, “Babylon has fallen, has fallen!”

Jesus announced our escape from death’s grip with the words, “Whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:26). He told the disciples returning from spreading the news about him, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18).

Jesus died that we might live.

Not Babylon, but Satan, had held us captive. Like Babylon, Satan was overthrown.

He had been warned, but he had no escape.

The Son of God came upon him like a desert storm.

We are free.