“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” — 2 Timothy 2:1-3
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Paul Skenes was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and is such a talented pitcher that he didn’t stay in the minor leagues long. Many people probably don’t know that he was a cadet at the Air Force Academy for two years, and therefore went through basic training with everyone else. Though he decided to transfer to LSU and then pursue his professional baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he is a patriotic young man who dreamed about serving his country. The discipline he learned in the military is a major reason why he developed into such an outstanding pitcher after being a catcher and everyday player.
Good soldiers prepare well for their duties and stay at their post through any situation, and for extended time periods. Some soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors serve on battlefields. Others guard military bases or foreign embassies. Some military personnel work in support roles or do desk jobs, but most of them rarely leave their assignment unless they are injured or very sick. In most cases, our soldiers and their families put aside their preferences about where to live and spend long periods of time away from family and friends, with a willingness to make the sacrifices necessary — including death — to fulfill their pledge to our country.
In the Bible, after Moses died, Joshua was called to lead the Israelites. He was like a general for the Israelite army as it sought to claim the Promised Land according to God’s plan. Even though God promised success, Joshua was afraid of the giant Philistines and needed encouragement to march forward and keep his commitment. Of course, every soldier needed to be brave, but Joshua had to lead the way with boldness. So the Lord spoke the following words to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
In response, Joshua got busy and recruited people to join him in battle. “So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: ‘Go through the camp and tell the people, “Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own”‘”(Joshua 1:10-11). As the Lord miraculously cleared a path through the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross in Moses’ day, God opened a dry path in the midst of the Jordan River when it was at flood stage for the people to cross over for their important mission.
We usually think of soldiers as some of the most courageous and dependable people in the world. So it makes sense why the apostle Paul told Timothy to be a soldier of the cross (2 Timothy 2:3, above). It takes strong determination and long-term commitment to do the Lord’s work here on earth. The work isn’t always easy, and often will feel harder to carry than you imagined, but the reward is great.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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