Happy
Memorial Day! This Manna reminds me of our soldiers who gave their lives for
America! So I would like to use this Manna as a reminder . . .
2 Timothy 2:3 “Thou therefore endure
hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (KJV).
Paul used a
comparison with soldiers who discipline themselves and who were willing to
sacrifice to work toward the goal that God has called a person to do. Like
soldiers who have to give up the worldly security and endure severe discipline.
Paul, himself knows what it is like to be a soldier of Jesus Christ. Paul knew
that as Timothy preached and taught God’s Word, Timothy would face suffering,
and Paul encourage Timothy to endure all things for Christ.
The New Living
Translation would be better interpreted as Paul stated, “Endure suffering along
with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. And as Christ’s soldier, do not let
yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot
satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army” (2Tim.2:3-4). The New Century
Version stated, “Share in the troubles we have like a good soldier of Christ
Jesus. A soldier wants to please the enlisting officer, so no one serving in
the army wastes time with everyday matters.”
What would it take
for a Deaf Christian believer to be a strong soldier of Jesus Christ? Here are
the few selective answers from the QVLAB study notes that impressed me. A
strong soldier endures, suffers, and shares hardship with all other soldiers. A
strong soldier stands with the other soldiers and suffers the hardships of the
struggle with them. A strong soldier sacrifices all that he is and has for
Christ.
A strong soldier is
loyal and committed to his commander-in-chief, Jesus Christ. A strong soldier
focuses upon his commander and his words to carry the message of gospel to
those around us. To me, it would take a strong soldier to keep up with the
daily study or reading of God’s Word to feed our hungry soul and to share God’s
Word with others. Keeping in touch with our Commander, Jesus Christ is the most
important thing to do. This song might motivate the Deaf people in the Deaf
Church.
Song: Onward Christian Soldier
1. Onward, Christian
Soldiers! Marching as to war,
With the cross of
Jesus, going on before;
Christ, the royal
Master, Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See His banners go!
Chorus:
Onward, Christian
soldiers! Marching as to war,
With the cross of
Jesus, Going on before.
(Lyrics: Sabine Baring-Gould, Sing His
Praise)
Let's be a strong
soldier for Jesus Christ, our Commander!
Dorothy
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