As this is Memorial Day weekend, we do well to consider what the Bible says about those who serve by taking up arms for the defense of our country.
The Bible teaches that God provides for people in general by raising up individuals with gifts, talents and abilities that are a blessing to others. So God feeds us by not only by prospering the crops, but by blessing us with farmers. He not only blesses us with fish, but with fishermen. He not only blesses us with healing medicines and procedures, but with pharmacologists and physicians.
This is true all over the world, even if nobody knows or thinks to give God the glory.
But we know it. So Paul tells us, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)
We give thanks to God always for all the people he has called to serve as His instruments of blessing in our lives.
On Memorial Day we give special thanks that He has called people to bear arms for the defense of our country. The men and women of the armed forces are people just like you and me, but who have acknowledged that their whole vocation centers on serving others above self, even to the point of giving up their lives for us, not to mention the sacrifice of family time, fortune, and independence.
O Lord God of hosts, stretch forth Your almighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve in the armed forces of our country. Support them in times of war, and in times of peace keep them from all evil, giving them courage and loyalty and granting that in all things they may serve honestly and without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.