Based on Luke 4:1-13

There is a section of Interstate 5 that runs from San Diego County through Camp Pendleton in southern California named after a Marine Corps gunnery sergeant. He was sent to a tiny island in the Pacific during WWII, where for five months he and his fellow Marines were in the fight of their lives. Since this island was a strategic location for the Rising Sun Empire, U.S. forces knew they needed to capture and hold the airfield on Guadalcanal.

For two bloody days this Marine, John Basilone, fought against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty. He not only held his ground but under heavy enemy fire battled his way through enemy lines to supply his men with much-needed ammunition. For his personal valor and courageous initiative, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

After being recalled to the States, Basilone toured the country, raising money for the war effort. Just over a year later, Basilone received orders to return to the Pacific fight. On February 19, 1945—80 years ago—the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, Basilone found himself and his fellow Marines pinned down from every direction. Disregarding the safety of his own life, he courageously and shrewdly worked his way around the flanking enemy position, attacking the enemy with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying an entire enemy stronghold.

Then, Basilone repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of enemy shells while coming to the aid of a U.S. tank trapped in a minefield. He skillfully guided the vehicle through the hazardous terrain to safety. Basilone pushed forward with dauntless courage and determination until he was killed instantly by a bursting mortar shell. For his intrepid initiative, he was awarded the Navy Cross.

This story often feels like my own life. What about you? I’m on a battlefield, where the enemy spiritual forces of darkness relentlessly attack my position. They constantly remind me of how often I have failed in my mission from my commander, which is to love and serve my neighbor and my God more than myself. Some days are better than others, but on most days, it feels as if the enemy has overrun my position and my guilt-laden conscience. I have regret over the sinful, selfish decisions I’ve made, and memories of the good I’ve left undone get the best of me. The enemy is more than willing to remind me of these things. What about you?

There on the battlefield stands a hero. One who stands alone. One who received the same attacks and the same accusations from the enemy, but didn’t have any regrets. No guilty conscience. No good left undone. But he was attacked just the same. The enemy tried with all their tactics and cunning to dislodge him from his secure position. With no regard for his own life, he entered that battlefield and won the war, for you and me.

The one who stands alone victorious is your commander, Jesus. When the devil tried to tempt him to disbelieve his Father’s promises, Jesus instead stood firm on his Father’s promises. Jesus defeated the devil this way—not to show you how to defeat the devil but to show you he has defeated the devil.

So when your life feels like John Basilone’s—standing alone, fighting the enemy—know that the battle has been won for you. Stand against the enemy. Know that their bullets and mortar rounds fall short. Christ has won for you. He stands alone so you might stand victorious with him.

I encourage you to read Luke 4:1-13 today. Find joy and comfort and safety in the victory Jesus has won for you over the enemy.

Prayer:
Mighty God and Father, our Lord Jesus walked into the wilderness to face the devil’s temptations, but he did not succumb to Satan’s lies or falter in his resolve to save the world from the prison of hell. Bolster our faith by his mighty victory, that we may battle against the forces of evil with courage and confidence.

Today we thank you for men and women who train canines to serve in our nation’s military. Since 1942 our nation’s military has used canines as security patrol, search and rescue, and detection. This week as our U.S. military recognizes Military Working Dogs, we ask that you be with the handlers and trainers of these canines. Use these creatures of your marvelous creation to save and preserve life. In your Son’s name we pray. Amen.