A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

VOLUME 2 NO. 5                                            March 20, 2005

“PREPARE FOR WAR”

By Steve Niemeier

Joel was God's spokesman during the reign of Joash (835-796 B.C.).  While disaster had struck the southern kingdom of Judah without warning and a black cloud descended upon the land full of locust, Joel was declaring unto the people to take note for the Day of the Lord was coming.

There are many powerful statements in the written Word of God.  However the words recorded in Joel 3:9-16 are some of the most fearful words that one can read.  From the encouragement to proclaim this among the nations to waking up the mighty men and having them beat their plowshares into swards when reading this one feels the emotion and power of God as he challenges man to come to Him.

The Valley of Jehoshaphat is where He was to sit and judge all the surrounding nations.  Verse 14 of the 3rd chapter sends cold chills down my spine as it is recorded “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!”  Been there haven't you?  Trying to decide what to do about my life and all the issues that are involved in just getting through this life on earth bring us back many times to this valley of decision.

Yet the proclamation found in verse 9, “PREPARE FOR WAR!” is perhaps the most feared words we can hear in our lifetime.  Why?  War is uncertain.  Our country has been to war many times and while lives have been lost, our freedom has remained.  Yet, wives have been made widows, children have been made orphans, parents have been made childless as men and women of the armed forces sacrifice their lives for our freedom.

For those of us back home in our comfortable houses that have not changed our lifestyle during these wars life keeps on going on and the war seems so far away.  Oh, we might talk how we appreciate our armed forces and we might hang a flag up outside but we are not fighting the battle on the front lines.

Yes, “PREPARE FOR WAR” are words that we shutter to hear.  However, whether we like it or not we are in a war, a war where we are entangled against Satan or God.  By our actions of obedience or disobedience to God enlists us in the particular army that we are in.  Those that choose to obey God in all things are in His army.  Those that choose to obey God only partially are fully in the army of Satan as are those who have turned themselves over to Satan fully.

This war continues throughout our lives from the age of accountability until we draw our dying breath.  Many choose to fight this war as silently as they can while others are very vocal about their positions.  The Supreme Commander of God's Army chose to speak out and show His true leadership by overcoming the enemy led by Satan and preparing an eternal home of rest for His soldiers who win their war with Satan.

There are many memorial grave sites for the soldiers of our country who died to protect our freedom.  There is a home in heaven for the soldiers of God who fought Satan bravely during their life on earth.