Christ's Spiritual "Special Forces"
Christ's Spiritual "Special Forces"
Many of the world's militaries, including those of the United States, have some highly-specialized and -trained "Special Forces," who are entrusted with some of the most dangerous and important missions imaginable. (America has her Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Green Berets, and Marine Recon units [among others].) What I would like to propose, is that God's church has her "elite troops," too--and that anyone who regeneratively believes in Jesus Christ, loves God in and through Jesus Christ, and is properly-joined to the church of Jesus Christ (via baptism, vow, and membership)--is eligible to enlist. This would include young and old, male and female, and people of all ethnicities and colors. And though it is true, that some missions are reserved for more experienced fighters, all of these soldiers are in the same "Special Forces."
It should also be mentioned that membership in this highly-trained and -disciplined corps is not limited to saints who are physically or spiritually "healthy." One may be bedridden, or in a wheelchair, and still be fully-employed in these exciting expeditions. (Also, so long as we have genuinely broken, contrite, humble, and repentant hearts--those which continually grieve sins, and find total relief in Jesus' blood alone--we are always "more than welcome.")
Special Forces, often operating in small units, go behind enemy lines to blow up the adversaries' supplies and equipment; and to create as much havoc as possible. They typically operate with extreme quietness; and they hit the foe hard, and get out of the area stealthily. Usually, they are almost always hugely outnumbered, so they need to be wise, quick, deliberate, disciplined, and efficient. The same is true in the prayers of Christ's "Special Forces," those offered by saints who are completely committed to the Redeemer and His gospel cause. Our prayers are the "ignition" that "explode" all kinds of things all over the world. And since our desires are united to Christ's, we are continually seeking to "build-up" the church (Eph. 4:12); and "tear-down" everything set up against our King Jesus, (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
Special Forces sometimes get some public recognition; but oftentimes they get none, (and, of course, they expect none). Their missions (often) are so secret, covert, and "special," that, of necessity, almost no one knows anything about what they do (or did). But, of course, their immediate superiors know what they achieved; and they are grateful for their sacrifices. In the case of the church, Christ knows what His devoted soldiers do for Him; and He (Jesus) rewards them with even more love for Him.
Are you signed-up? Do you want to enlist? You are certainly welcome. No one is prohibited from being amongst this select group. The only thing that disqualifies is unbelief, lack of love for Christ, and pride and self-sufficiency. Simple faith, real love, and total dedication means you are in.
. . . So, if that is the case, let us strap on our arms, grab a few extra spiritual "hand grenades," take just enough food for the mission; and get out there on the field. God our Father greatly values Christ's "valiant" soldiers and "consecrated" veterans. He develops us into more effective warriors everyday; and, by the end of our lives, we are in a position to help raise up the next generation of "Christ's Spiritual 'Special Forces.' "
In closing, let us consider these words of Paul, to his young protegee, from the Pastoral Epistles: "Wage the good warfare," (1 Tim. 1:18b); and, "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim it to please the one who enlisted him," (2 Tim. 2:3-4), [all ESV].
Rev. Mark J. Henninger
Treatise #52
12 December 2025
Comments
Post a Comment