Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. or he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
Romans 13:1-7
REFLECTION
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, World War I ended, the day became known as Armistice Day. In 1947, Raymond Weeks a World War II veteran organized a parade and other events to honor veterans in Birmingham, Alabama, choosing to hold “National Veteran’s Day” on Armistice Day, November 11th. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill into law proclaiming November 11th as ‘Veterans Day’.
Each year since, we have celebrated and shown ‘honor to whom honor’ is due: those who have worn the uniform and served us and our nation in military service.
I was reminded just this last weekend of this kind of selfless sacrifice, when I met a father wearing a t-shirt remembering his son Brandon, that had given his life 21 years ago to the day in Iraq. Brandon lost his life at the age of 19 protecting our freedoms. I wept with him, thanked him for his sacrifice, prayed for him, and we honored Brandon’s life together.
Many have served in peace time and in war. And many, like my grandfather who served in Europe in World War I, my dad who served in the South Pacific in World War II, my son who just recently received his discharge from the Army, along with several other friends and family who served in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan or in peace time and returned home – but sadly many did not – making the ultimate sacrifice and leaving behind those that loved them. They should never be forgotten!
My grandfather in WW1 - My father in WWII - My son after basic training
How We Can Pray
Many veterans that have served have sadly not been cared for or honored in a manner worthy of their calling. The Apostle Paul expressly told us to, “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” As believers, we of all people, should be on the front lines serving those who have literally been on the front lines for us. As you pray for veterans in your life this weekend, don’t forget to take the time to thank and honor them. Pray as well, what you can play in serving the veterans in your own community. They served us, perhaps now it is time that we served them.
Will you pray with me right now?
LIGHT Your Path!
Please join us as we “Lift up the Word and Light Up the World.”Here is some LIGHT for your path as you walk by faith and pray for veterans.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)
Please add your favorites to this list and be encouraged to repeat them in faith-filled prayer our veterans and military.
