Watch the Devotion

Based on Luke 21:10-28

There has not been a generation of Americans who have lived their entire lives without their country being involved in a war or military conflict. Even during those rare stretches of relative peace, our US military was still engaged in smaller operations or “police actions.” To help me better understand our military history, one of my soldiers recommended this book: For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States from 1607 to 2012, 3rd edition.

We pray for peace around the world and in our own country, because war is horrific. People die. Some war fighters who return home find themselves lost and misunderstood by civilians. Others are broken in body and mind. Some sadly lose their faith in God. One war fighter recently shared this with me: “The American civilian public is not ready for large-scale combat, for high numbers of casualties. We’ve not had to wrestle with that reality for decades. We’re not equipped to handle this right now. Please pray for peace.”

Jesus tells us there will be wars and uprisings. There will be earthquakes and famines and pestilence in various places, which means there will always be a need for a National Guard. Jesus also says there will be spiritual conflict. He says, “They will . . . persecute you” (Luke 21:12).

This week I asked a soldier, “How can I pray for you?” He texted back, “Pray that I continue to focus my mind and heart on what our Savior did for us and have the courage to comfortably share it with others.” The military culture—and our society—is not friendly to those who follow Jesus, and he tells us it will get worse for us.

How are we to handle this and not become overwhelmed with depression and anxiety?

After Jesus had shared with his disciples all the bad news about wars and persecutions and disasters, he said this: “Stand firm, and you will win life” (Luke 21:19). You will win.

Jesus won the victory over death and grave. You will win.

Jesus stood firm against the spiritual forces of evil. You will win.

Stand firm on that promise by reminding yourself of that promise every time you hear bad news.

And “when these things begin to take place” (Luke 21:28)—the frightening things that will happen when Jesus comes again—he says that heavenly bodies will be shaken, the dead will rise, and all will see him coming again in the clouds with his angels. Many will be terrified. But Jesus tells you, “Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

Christ has redeemed all things. The curse of sin is undone because Christ became the curse for us. The grave is conquered because Jesus lives, never to die again. Paradise lost is restored when Christ creates a new heaven and a new earth for us.

Please understand that we live in the “already” and the “not yet.” But when these things begin to take place, stand firm and you will win life. Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, in a world filled with conflict and fear, help us to stand firm in your victory. When wars rage around us and within us, steady our hearts with the promise of redemption. Give courage to those who serve our nation and strength to all who serve you. Lift our eyes from the chaos of this world to the hope of your coming kingdom. Amen.

Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.