Onward Christian Soldier

The Bible makes very clear in 1 Peter 5:8 that we are to, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” Some read that and take it very seriously while others brush it off as nothing more than a holy scare tactic to keep believers in line. More than a threat it’s a reminder and a promise we have an enemy in the devil. Something every believer needs to keep in mind as we consider the events in our nations history long ago, as today marks the 81st year since the bombing of Perl Harbor and there are just a handful of remaining survivors who were there that day.

On December 7, 1941 the United States was utterly and completely shocked by the unprovoked attack of the Japanese that killed 2,403 people, 68 of whom were civilians. The attack also destroyed 19 of our Navy ships, 8 of which were battleships. This was a devastating event that turned the tide of World War II, motivating the United States who up to this point had been neutral, to get involved. Studying the events that surrounded the day, the United States was acting from a false premise. Our military leaders believed our Naval fleet was safe in the Harbor of Hawaii. Being 2000 miles from the mainland and 4000 miles from Japan most of our leaders believed it was the best place to keep the fleet and the easiest place to defend as we could see anyone coming for miles.

The Japanese capitalized on that belief and planned a surprise attack for Sunday December 7, 1941 while the navy was taking the day off for the most part. Besides, the United States was 'neutral' regarding World War II up to this point. It was the attack on Perl Harbor that became the catalyst that drew the country into the fight. History not learned from tends to repeat itself and to prevent events such as these from happening again our military remains on alert. As followers of Jesus we are to be ready like the song sings, “Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war, with the Cross of Jesus going on before.” Put on the full armor of God the apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 6 and don’t leave home without it!

I LOVE YOU!