Sermon snippet – God’s Good Warriors
INTRODUCTION – Some Christians are uneasy about the military, whether it be service or support. I have preached previously about the Biblical concept of a just war and will not repeat that sermon today. However, Hebrews 11 presents God’s good warriors in a most favorable light, and we will consider this passage as we think of the difficult subject of warfare and the Christian.
- A GOODLY NUMBER OF GOD’S GOOD WARRIORS ARE MENTIONED IN SCRIPTURE
Verses 8-19 remind us of Abraham, who exhibited faith in numerous ways. Genesis 14 reveals that he was a man of war who successfully fought against a confederation of powerful kings to rescue his nephew Lot and others. Moses (verses 23-29) was likewise a fine military leader, taking a nation of slaves untrained in fighting and turning them into a winning force (including Numbers 21 and 31). Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, and the poet-potentate David (verse 32) are remembered mostly because of their martial defense of the people of Israel. Even Samuel (also verse 32), primarily known as a prophet, effectively led the Israelite army in battle (I Samuel 7:7-13). All of these fighters are portrayed positively to us. Their examples confirm that there are people, matters, and ideas that are worth defending.
- GOD’S GOOD WARRIORS MAY GIVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
Much of what we call sacrifice today is really self-denial. For example, cutting back on eating ice cream cannot be called sacrifice. No, sacrifice is far more serious. Verses 35b-37 remind us of the absolute accuracy of Scripture: both the victories and the ultimate sacrifices in serving God are recorded. Those who die in defense of that which is good and right in the eyes of the Lord are in no way lacking in faith. No, their fervent faith flames and flashes forever: all of God’s good warriors have “obtained a good report through faith” (verse 39).
- OUR GOOD WARRIOR-GOD TRIUMPHS DIFFERENTLY
Hebrews 11 is a fine chapter about faith, but it is also a prologue to the finest warrior of all – Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:1-2 brings us to the Cross, where we see the greatest ultimate sacrifice. We observe Jesus defeating all of His enemies – and they are also our enemies – by dying on that blood-stained implement of torture. Death and victory? The two do not seem to belong together, but Jesus wins differently. He paid the full price for our sins and gained victory over the power of Satan, hell, and death. May we pause and marvel anew at this plan of salvation, a plan that could come only from the mind and actions of God Himself.
CONCLUSION – There is, of course, much more that we could say on this matter. It is clear, though, that Christians can be good Christians and be part of the military. Moreover, the example of Jesus reminds us that anything that is good must be fought for. The sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross furthermore demands that we respond to Him in faith for His eternal salvation. Trust in Him today, and be certain of everlasting life with Him in heaven.