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But He Never Enlisted...
He served in the Army but "he isn't a soldier" We believe there is a lesson in the following AP report: "An Army spokesman said Friday that 15 year old Walter Lee Martin is not recognized as a soldier -- despite two periods of serving in Vietnam--because he did not enlist, was not drafted, and did not enter the Army through any regular means. ‘He was not officially in, did not officially enlist or enter through any normal means,’ Barrante said. ‘He was, in fact, not a soldier. He isn't a soldier.’”
Two periods of service in Vietnam, twice wounded in action; yet, no purple hearts, no honorable discharge, no veteran's benefits; he did not legally enlist.
This reminds us of a host of men and women whom we have observed serving among the soldiers of the army of the Lord. They serve faithfully and even sacrificially. They reject the sins of the flesh and live a pure life. They attend services regularly, give liberally of their money, and are ready to every good work. They often study the Bible, defend the truth, and attack error. Often, they are outstanding in their performance as soldiers, except that they have never enlisted!
The “Captain of our salvation” knew in advance there would be such individuals. He warned of the fate they may expect – “many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity’” (Mt. 7:22-23). What a pity to spend a lifetime enduring “hardships as a good soldier” only to miss the “veteran benefits” because of a failure to enlist.
There was no way that the young man described above could have legally enlisted, he was ineligible. But anyone who is a sinner can enlist in the army of the Lord if he is willing to leave his sins. The conditions are simple: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16). “Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
