JAC Online

Be Brave or Go Home!
by Lieutenant Matthew Kean

 

Then the officers shall add, "Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that the others will not become disheartened too." (Deuteronomy 20:8)

 

In time of war there is dire need for hearts of iron. In other words, the person who cowers at the thought of fierce combat has volunteered themselves for the wrong vocation. No soldier can successfully stand against an adversary with a fearful heart. They become the weakness of the lot. Fear and timidity is as dangerous as the enemy simply because it paralyses, as well as disarms, the soldier... and it's not long before disarmed soldiers create a disarmed army. 

 

When God gave instructions to the Israelites in regards to them engaging in warfare, His instructions begin with "Do not be fainthearted or afraid" (v. 3). This was not simply a suggestion, but an insistence that the nation of Israel ought to trust in His faithfulness. After all, their God was YHWH - the Great I AM, the All-Consuming Fire, the Almighty, the Most High! He had proven Himself so many times before and His power and glory were unmatched. There was simply no need to fear or become weak at heart... victory was certain because the God of Israel was certain! Interestingly, although His instructions begin sternly with telling the soldiers not to fear, He also gives clear instruction to not allow anyone who is fearful to fight (v. 8). The reason is explained: A soldier that is afraid or disheartened before war is a detriment to the whole army.

 

Now, at first glance, this seems a little unfair. What soldier is comfortable with war? But, in light of the first order, "Do not be fainthearted or afraid", allowing a soldier to enter the ferocities of battle with such a sickly condition of heart would be blatant disobedience. Basically, it didn't just convey fear, but also a complete lack of trust in the faithfulness of God.  Then came the second order... ringing clear as a bell... "Any soldier that does not trust ME should go home!" They could be of no good use to an army of the faithful.

 

Already, I suspect it’s not difficult to discern who I am writing to – Of course I’m writing to the soldiery of The Salvation Army; to every individual who claims to be covenanted to God within these ranks.  I’ve wanted to say these few things for quite some time, and admittedly, they are born out of some frustration and disappointment.  In truth, I am tired of trying to muster up some kind of spiritual gumption within too many of the Salvation Soldiers I come across. I find many to be a sleepy, groggy lot who quiver and quake at the thought of battle, and I am certain God is calling us to change – He must be!

 

As a soldier of the gospel of Christ, I take very seriously the fact that I am in the middle of a massive war against sin and evil. The devil is MY enemy because he is the enemy of God.  Jesus went so far as to describe him as a strong man who is fully armed, but assuring as well that He is indeed much stronger and able to disarm this clever snake (see Luke 11:21-22). Without a doubt, Christians are in the midst of a war, but even more so are us Salvationists! We, like the Israelites, have only one assurance – the certainty of our God! If then we have the same assurance as they, it is equally certain that we have been given the same instructions.  They are the words of God and they will forever remain unchanged! They were an army, as are we.  They had a very real, very persistent enemy, as do we.  We must heed the same orders because they come from the same King! 

 

Any soldier that attempts to fight against an adversary as sinister and vicious as ours with a faint or fearful heart is only able to weaken the rest of the army. Too often, people who call themsleves soldiers - men and women who are supposed to be brave and true - come to the field with a faint heart and it cracks the morale of the faithful. Within only moments their concern turns to carnal things (the lack of provision or resources, loss of comfort and luxury, worry about failure, a poor worldly image or reputation, and the like).  Christians who will not open their mouths and be a witness for their Saviour, but yet assume they are a benefit to the army, should go home! I realize my words are frank, but the war is too great! Souls are too precious and they continue to die in darkness! Unless we are an army made up of ones who will boldly carry The Light we are useless in this war.

 

Our army ought not to be recognized by our uniforms!  Any civilian can play dress up.  No!  Our army ought to be recognized firstly by the ruthlessness and ferocity of our fight!  We should be seen by the people of this world as being vicious in our pursuit of the enemy of God, and known very well for it!  We should be known by our Christian siblings in the church as a mighty throng of Christ-slaves mesmerized with spilling demon-blood. We should be known in hell because we are masters in Sword combat and our leader is the Right Hand of God.  We are soldiers, with an unstoppable Source of Power, who has an undying love for the people who have no love for Him.  His desire is for them, but the enemy has claimed them with tricks. This father of lies must be defeated, and already is defeated, simply because Jesus Christ lives and has sworn a terrible vengeance.  Because of Him, dear Soldiers, because of our victorious Saviour, fear and a faint heart have no place in the breast of a Salvation Soldier. 

 

Please... my Comrades!  For the sake of Jesus... forget your fear, cast off your faint heart, trust the faithfulness of our Mighty God, and fight... or go home!

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   

 

your shopping is guaranteed safe using SSL

eStore account - Sign Up Now! Contact Us - General. Technical Support. Sales Jesus is amazing!  If you see this image tag you should know that He is THE way... not a way!  Grace!
Home Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sitemap Contact Us
copyright ARMYBARMY
armybarmy