July 23, 2024 -- II Timothy 2:1-4 -- Am I A Soldier of the Cross?

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
II Timothy 2:1-4 ESV

What a joyful encouragement it is to read biographies of Christians through-out the ages. And a challenge that encourages one to keep pushing forward with the goal of making the most of every opportunity to share Jesus Christ. The most recent biography I’ve read is of William Chalmers Burns. Born in Scotland, (April 1, 1815), one of ten children where many of his sisters married ministers. Brothers were involved in publishing and ministry as well. To my surprise Burns briefly preached a mission tour in Canada (including the Sarnia, ON area) before being sent to the place he longed to go to, namely, China.

His biographer noted that a phrase which stayed with him throughout his life was miles expeditus. It is a phrase from classical Latin meaning a soldier unchained, or unencumbered. The point is a soldier is always prepared for the duties his captain sets out for him to do, such as march, train, or engage in battle. That fits with what Paul wrote to Timothy, instructing him to be a soldier ready for battle who does not get entangled in pursuits which would distract him from his committed, faithful duty to Jesus.

The soldier of Christ knows the day is filled with distractions of the enemy. The soldier of Christ knows preparation for the war can involve many, long hours of boring duties, cleaning the rifles, learning battle strategies, getting into formation marching and learning how to fight as a unit. When the battle comes, the soldier who diligently prepared is one who can fight putting into practice all that was learned. The lazy soldier, the soldier who was entangled in other pursuits will get knocked about and need to be saved by his fellow soldiers. He is a liability.

Somehow Burns’ life and his unofficial motto, miles expeditus, when matched with this text from II Timothy inspires me and makes me want to recommit to share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. The phrase reminds me to be prepared at every moment for the guerilla warfare of the Devil, and even to fight my own inertia and laziness, knowing the long hours of preparation—bible reading, prayer, encouraging fellow believers, preaching or hearing sermons, worship—all these will be suddenly put into use on the day of battle.

O God, our heavenly Father, thank You for the great gift of Jesus, Your Son, our Savior. In Him the way of salvation is opened by His atoning blood. In view of Your steadfast love, Father in heaven, we rededicate ourselves to following Jesus the Captain of Salvation. Spirit of the Living God help us to stay sharp, ever on call for Jesus. Forgive us for the times of laziness and inattention. Direct us so that by the eyes of faith, made sharp through Bible reading, see the splendour of our King, robed in majesty, Who leads us. Triune God, lead us, as soldiers unencumbered, ready for each duty, mundane or glorious, which You have prepared for us, so that we please You, Who have enlisted us, and are fit to teach others also. This we pray for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

https://youtu.be/KU5ct0iY-Ds?si=lfCqEZV0882H_IKI “Am I A Soldier of the Cross?”

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