Everybody who joins the military takes an oath, which means they make a promise to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
When they say these words, they are promising to do whatever it takes—to fight and to die—to protect this country.
The Bible says that giving up your life, being willing to die to protect someone else, is the highest act of love. “The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends” (John 15:13).
You face an enemy every day, whether it’s the devil, the world, or even what the sinful part of you wants to do. God saw your enemy and knew you were powerless. So he sent Jesus as the soldier to fight this war for you. He ran to protect you from the punishment of your sins, and he gave up his life for you.
When he came to earth, he made a vow to do whatever it took to protect you. He did this because he calls you his friend. Think about that again: the Savior of the world is your best friend.
Dear Jesus, thank you for calling me your friend. You came to earth to protect me, to fight for me, and to show me the best love of all time. Thank you for being my defender, and thank you for laying down your life so I can be God’s friend. Amen.
