Combat and Its Rewards

Last week we attended the funeral for a young man we have known since he was in high school. We have enjoyed seeing him in baseball uniforms, football uniforms and finally in the Air Force Captain's uniform. He was an outstanding man who walked and lived in a way that brought a smile to faces. He lived His relationship with Christ visibly and his strength in God was admirable. His death was a tragic loss to his wife, his family, his community and to the body of Christ on this earth. The Lord took him home in the middle of  his tour of duty for this country, but his tour of duty for God is just beginning.

The ceremony closed with a time for each active military person in attendance to pay their final respects. The congregation watched solemnly as each of them approached the casket, saluted, then stood quietly for a moment before turning and walking resolutely up the aisle and out of the church. We were sitting towards the back of the church watching as each one passed by. The uniforms were varied, as were the sizes and shapes of the men and women wearing them. Some had tears streaming down, some had red faces from holding back the tears, some had clear eyes, others were clouded and sad.

But they all had a few things in common: a straight back, sure footing and a focused eye as they walked without wavering. Even in the brokenness there was a determination and a strength emitting from every one of them.

As I sat watching this unfold there was a aura of security, of peace, of being safe. For a brief moment I peeked into the spirituals and got a glimpse of our places in God's army. In our brokenness there comes more strength. In our pain we are able to bring a sense of safety and peace to those around us. I remembered the description of the Bride of Christ dressed in finery but wearing combat boots.

We each look different in our uniform, but His armor is the same in all. It brings down strongholds, sends the enemy packing and covers us with strength enough to share with those around us. Our diversity makes us strong as we complete each other. Our weaknesses allow the Lord to come through in His strength. At times we hurt, we cry, our pain is hard to bear; but in the midst we walk resolutely with a focus and a commitment to Jesus. In His strength there is peace.

True, we are the Bride of Christ, but lately I am being reminded we are also soldiers, we have a war, we have armor, we are needed in this world.

Ephesians 6:10-11 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.