“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”
– 2 Timothy 2:3,4
 In the Roman Empire, soldiers were called legionaries, and their job was extremely dangerous because they were constantly fighting barbarians and other rogue attackers. In fact, when a young man signed up to join the Roman ranks, he committed to giving 25 years of his life to the cause. That meant no marriage, no family, and no outside endeavors — for a quarter of a century, that person belonged to the empire. However, the flip side was that there were great rewards for choosing this path, especially for someone who came from an impoverished family.
In those days, the poor typically stayed poor, but any legionary who made it through the full term of service received both land and a pension. That said, it was conceivable for a person who started life with nothing to die wealthy and with an estate…if he survived. In truth, soldiers in this era had roughly a 60% chance of making it through 25 years, and at that, they had to be tough as nails. Nevertheless, for the one who endured, there was a great reward, and the same is true for being a soldier in the army of God. My friend, you are the Lord’s soldier! While it may feel as if you “signed up” for something beyond your ability to endure, the truth is that your Commanding Officer is also the Savior of your soul and the Shepherd of your heart. Though He takes you down roads that test and press you, Jesus will never lead you anywhere He hasn’t been. Your loving Lord goes before you, and He makes a way through the most strenuous, trying, and taxing circumstances. |
Prayer
Jesus, I am your soldier; strengthen me, protect me, and give me what I need to endure unto completion.
Reflection
As the Lord’s soldier, how is He leading you through battles?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Amen!