Next Monday, the eleventh of November, we will celebrate Veterans Day. It was originally called Armistice Day to celebrate the end of WW I and honor the soldiers who had served and died there.
The war ended on the eleventh hour, the eleventh day, the eleventh month of 1918, later in 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to pay honor to all the soldiers who had served and died protecting our great country. It is a day we can pause and express gratitude, reflect on their willingness to serve and sacrifice for us. And now we honor all who serve in our military.
I am also reminded of another group serving today but in a different way.
Last month was Pastors’ Appreciation Month. Many churches have already had that special event, others are planning it, while others are having it this week.
Yes, they are in a battle but different from bombs, bullets and grenades.
On one side of the battle is the good forces, God and His Angels and all those called to stand up for the preaching of God’s word and the Gospel.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?; Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
On the other side of the battle is the evil forces which include Satan and the angels who follow him and all those who reject God or work for evil.
But God’s followers are growing, and the good news is ultimately all forces of evil will be defeated never to rise again.
Revelation 22:3-5 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
See you in Church next Sunday.