He’s My Soldier and I am Going to Get Him
by John Grant
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?� Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!� Matthew 6:8
It happened three years ago in Afghanistan, but was in the press again last week when the President of the United States presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to the parents of the fallen hero. His story is that of a true American hero, who put the safety of those under his command ahead of his own life. On that night three years ago, Sgt, Monti’s heroism exemplified the sacrifice, honor and heroism of the American military.
On that night Sgt. Monti’s patrol from the 10th Mountain Division was walking down a road on a scouting mission when suddenly a tree line exploded in a wall of fire. One of Monti’s men was pinned down. He handed his radio to someone, tightened his chin strap and ran into the line of fire. The patrol leader offered to go, but Monti said, “No, he my soldier and I am going to get him.� Still trying to reach his man, Monti ran into the line three times and on the last try, was killed by a rocket launched grenade. As the President said, “His actions were not a passing moment of courage, but the culmination of a life of character and commitment.�
There are so many similar Biblical accounts of those who never gave a second thought about risking and giving their lives for others. They too did so out of a life of character and commitment. They all had one thing in common…. they had encountered God in a very personal way. It takes a pure heart to see God. You can attend church services, read your Bible, and pray, but if you don’t have a significant relationship, you will not see God. You will know when you have encountered God because your life will no longer be the same.
Isaiah was concerned with the death of King Uzziah, the able king of Judah, but was disoriented to his heavenly King. Then something happened that forever changed Isaiah’s life. God, in all His awesome majesty, appeared to him in the temple, surrounded by heavenly creatures. Instantly, God’s presence made Isaiah aware of his sinfulness. One of the seraphim came to him with a burning coal and cleansed Isaiah of his sin. Immediately, Isaiah began to hear things he had never heard before.
This prompted Isaiah’s eager response: “Here am I! Send me.� Now that God had cleansed Isaiah, he was aware of heavenly concerns and prepared to offer himself in God’s service. Whereas Isaiah had been preoccupied with earthly matters, now his only concern was the activity of God.
If you have become estranged from God and His activity, you need to experience His cleansing. Sanctification prepares you to see and hear God. It enables you to serve Him, so that like Isaiah, you too can say
“Here am I, send me.�
(a thought on life from John Grant )
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http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/11/11/jg_soldier/
Tags: Bible, God's love, Jesus, power, refuge, sacrifice, strength
November 11th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Thanks for this motivating devotional.
Blessings.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:49 am
This devotional came so timely when we are studying Isaiah. May God Almighty continue to give you the grace to do more for His glory. Silas.