November 11th, Veteran’s Day:
There is a lot to this day for all Americans. This is not just a day we should commemorate veterans for their service to our nation, though it should play a big role.
In General McArthur’s famous “Duty, Honor, Country” speech given to West Point Cadets, on May 12, 1962, he highlighted the “no greater love” ethic of laying down’s one life for a cause greater than one’s life. He stated:
“The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training – sacrifice. In battle and in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his Maker gave when he created man in his own image.
No physical courage and no brute instinct can take the place of the Divine help which alone can sustain him. However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his country, is the noblest development of, mankind.”
On November 11th, something of great significance also took place in American history. On November 11, 1620, the Mayflower anchored at what is now Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod. Before going ashore, 41 male passengers–heads of families, single men and three male servants–signed the famous Mayflower Compact, which states:
In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc.:
Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith, and the honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another; covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, 1620.
This compact, constitution, and contract is not a ecclesiastical document to start a church in America. This is one of our first political documents to start a new colony. God is mentioned throughout the document, “in the name of God” “by the grace of God” “for the glory of God” and “in the presence of God.”
The divine mission was also stated, “Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith.” Notice they were not concerned about the retreat of the Christian faith, the abandonment of the Christian faith, or the neglect of the Christian faith especially when it comes the political realm. This is something the modern American church needs to remedy ASAP.
Lastly, on a personal note, this day, November 11th, is the birthday of my deceased first beloved bride, Liz Thomas. She blessed this world with 10 children and served the Lord faithfully on the frontline of the battle for the souls of men, the lives of children, and the future of our nation.
She has gone on to her eternal reward and her works do follow her. I bless her memory.
Blessed Veteran’s Day!