Genesis 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days-- and also afterward-- when the sons of God went in to the daughters of humans, who bore children to them. These were the heroes that were of old, warriors of renown.
Micah 4:3 He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more;
Matthew 5:39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also;
Luke 10:27 He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
Today is Veterans’ Day, “Veterans Day 2026 is on Wednesday, November 11, always observed on this fixed date each year in the United States. It is a federal holiday honoring all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.” (AI Overview on Bing)
Our nation is not a particularly militant nation; however, we have had our share of wars, police actions, incursions and interventions. We are currently engaged in an undeclared war in the Middle East. This year, we are celebrating our nation’s 250th ‘birthday,’ a birthday born and baptized in a war of insurrection.
This past Sunday, as part of our worship service, our congregation, like so many others acknowledged and honored members of our congregation who are veterans and other veterans who are family members of our congregants. We also included songs and hymns from each branch of our nation’s military forces in the service. I believe it is important for all of us to remember and honor those who protect our freedom to worship.
Sadly, history teaches us that there always has been the need for those willing to step forth and place themselves in harm’s way to protect others. When Jesus was asked about the timing of the eschaton, the end of this age, he answered, “Mark 13:7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.” Will the day come when there are no more “wars and rumors of wars?”
Life lessons learned on the playgrounds of elementary schools teach us that there are always bullies. There are people and nations who believe that might makes right. There are people and nations willing to test the bounds of the tolerance of others, pushing and shoving to get their wants and demands. It is as equally true in the 21st century as it was in the 20th century and the 1st century. Regrettably, bullies always continue to bully until someone steps forward to confront them. We can see this playing out on the international scene today as Russia continues its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
“In a letter dated November 13, 1787, to William Stephens Smith, the son-in-law of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson used the phrase ‘tree of liberty’ . . . The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” (www.monticello.org) While we set aside a different day to remember and honor those who have paid that ultimate price, it is important for us to realize that in war or in peacetime, all who serve in our nation’s military branches have put themselves between all of us and potential or real threats to our freedom and liberty. All are offering themselves in service to the ideas and ideals of our nation.
As Christians, we exist as part of a larger society. As Christians, we benefit from the guarantees in our Constitution of our right to worship our Creator God as we choose to do so. We know the words of Jesus, the commandment to love our neighbor, to, “ turn the other also.” How do we reconcile the reality of the need for patriots, for warriors, for those who will stand up to and resist the bullies of our world? We are called to live in the world, but, we are also called to change the world. We have read the words of the prophet, “Jeremiah 6:14 They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” We reconcile the words of Jeremiah and Jesus through the bravery and actions of all of those veterans who have served our nation and through whose service the world for which we pray will be gained, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Today and every day, thank a veteran, pray for a veteran, trust God,
Pastor Ray