On this Veterans day, I want to start with something very near and dear to my heart, because it represents the heart of every military man and woman, and every person who serves in an official capacity, and who serves selflessly, regardless of dangers. It is called the Oath of Office: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United states against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.” Those of us who put their trust in the Lord do not swear, but we affirm, and we know that it is being done from the heart of dedication to God, and to this nation. I believe that many have forgotten this oath, both military and political alike, and that many have reverted to true faith and allegiance only to ourselves. I know I can ask any past military man or woman who has been in harm’s way defending this constitution by which we govern, to recite it today, for I know it holds that same dedication that it once had but now seems like it is just said, without meaning or dedication to any other than ourselves. We are called by God to submit to our governing authorities, and we are to submit as if submitting to Him, but we also know that our governing authorities do not do the same. Will we ever find our way in this nation back to the true leadership of God? This is what Scripture tells us: “Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. As God’s slaves, live as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. Honor everyone, love the brotherhood. Fear God, Honor the Emperor.“ 1 Peter 2: 13-17 But today, I want to bring honor to my Lord, by honoring those who exhibit selflessness either on the battlefield, or in the classroom, or on the streets of our nation. I believe that there is a war going on, and this war is between good and evil. Everywhere there are good people, living for freedom, and wanting to be examples of faith and goodness to those around them. They stand for this freedom, because they know that it comes from God, and they will stand no matter what the consequence of standing. I salute you, my friends, for you have taken on a special mission, that of being a servant of the Most High in a land filled with those who hate God, and want to do everything they can to destroy those who honor God, and live for Him. Today I honor you veterans of the past, wherever you stood your ground; today I honor you veterans of the present, for you are the ones who now have to live, knowing that we are in perilous times, and there is danger at every turn; I salute you veterans of the future, who will, by the grace of God, fill the shoes of those who have gone before you in Jesus’ name proclaiming freedom to those living in darkness. You are in our military; you are in our police forces; you are in our classrooms; you are in our hospitals; you are in our politics; you are in our churches. I pray that God will be your strength and leadership today, and He will be the One who guides your paths. Pastor (and veteran) Andy
Barnabas Man 