Occupation Army

                                                                     And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, “Occupy till I come.” Luke 19: 13 (KJV)

_{stock image}

My late husband loved, “Onward Christian Soldiers,” and wanted the hymn sung at his funeral. As a military man, he connected with the idea of a Christian in God’s service. Indeed, we as Christians have been redeemed by our Savior in order to serve. We await the return of Christ, “Thy Kingdom Come,” but meanwhile “Thy will be done as it is in heaven,” tells us we have work to do until the wonderful day when He shall appear and take us to a triumphant victory in His eternal kingdom—the Church Triumphant. We aren’t called the Church Militant to sit by in a self-righteous huddle waiting for the end. Rather, we are to be an active community of believers…active in both spiritual battles on a personal level and within the Church, and in active engagement with spreading the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord.

There are controversies within the Church structures around the globe as to the Christian’s place in war. We may believe to fight in wars is wrong because of killing, or we may believe there are “just wars” in which Christians should fight and protect freedoms. No matter which stance you take, the Church Militant is a different kind of war. We are all called as God’s occupation army. The parable of the “Ten Minas” (see Luke 19: 11-27 ESV – The Parable of the Ten Minas – As they – Bible Gateway) explains the occupation army. So what are our duties?

First: Serve our Commander in Chief: (The nobleman represents God; the minas represent the gifts we have been given in order to serve our commander; the increase represents those who are brought to faith by the Holy Spirit through what God has given His servants.)

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6: 10-12

1. Preparing to serve Ephesians 6: 13-18
2. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…
   1. We study the word on our own and in group Bible studies
   2. We hear the Word preached from the pulpit, “not neglecting to meet together,” (Hebrews 10: 25)
3. … and having put on the breastplate of righteousness…
   1. We self-examine our attitudes, aims, and aspirations daily
   2. We confess our sins on a day by day basis
4. … and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace…
   1. Be ready to share the gospel with others,
   2. See opportunities, perhaps, in unusual places
5. …In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one…
   1. Our faith stems from the Holy Spirit within us; therefore, we need to practice His presence in our life, always cognizant of Him.
   2. Study the Word of God and make it a part of your thought processes
6. … and take the helmet of salvation…
   1. Know, without a doubt in your mind, that you are a child of God, not based on baptism, church membership, attendance, taking communion
   2. Understand and be able to articulate the plan of salvation in order to share with others
7. …and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…
   1. Memorize the Word of God
8. …praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. 
   1. Pray privately on a regular basis
   2. Pray corporately with others
   3. Find a regular prayer partner
      1. To meet together and pray
      2. To pray together over the phone

• To “e-pray” (in emails or texts)

1. Come up with your own innovation

Second: Reflect our Chief Commander

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15: 12

1. Reflect the Lord Jesus Christ as we serve
2. Love others as Christ loved us by willing the good to them
3. Lend your strength to others
4. Look at others as made in God’s image, no matter race, status, gender, nationality, or any other difference.
5. Give of your anxieties to God
6. See the needs of others and address them
7. Know the Word of God and be able to share with others
8. Be willing to get personal with others without wanting to control them
9. Be faithful in your heart so you will be faithful in public
10. Act, don’t react.