Happy Birthday, Army

Two-hundred and forty-nine years ago today, the Continental Congress passed the following resolution:  “Resolved, That six companies of expert riflemen [sic], be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia; … [and] that each company, as soon as completed [sic], shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army.

“With this resolution, the Continental Congress adopted the New England Army of Observation, making it a “continental” army — a united colonial fighting force — that could represent all 13 colonies with the addition of the troops from the three middle colonies. The Continental Army thus became America’s first national institution.”¹

The following day, June 15, 1775, George Washington was chosen to be the General and Commander In Chief of this new army.  By unanimous vote of the Congress, Washington was presented with his commission which read, ““We, reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, conduct, and fidelity, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be General and Commander in chief, of the army of the United Colonies, and of all the forces now raised, or to be raised, by them, and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service, and join the said Army for the Defence [sic] of American liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof: And you are hereby vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and welfare of the service.”²

In years past, the day has been celebrated by the Army with a wreath presentation at Arlington National Cemetery, an Army birthday cake cutting and re-enlistment ceremony, and the twilight tattoo.  On occasion, there will be a military ball and other celebrations hosted at the National Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir, VA.  “What began as a disorganized collection of British colonists has since grown into an operation comprising more than 463,000 active duty service members worldwide.”³

While the U.S. Army is large, there is an even larger Army.  In fact, I would dare to say that if you took the armies of all the nations and put them together, this army would be even larger.  It’s the Army of the Lord, composed of the born again believers scattered all across the globe.

Military metaphors are used throughout the Bible to describe the Christian.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  (4)  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Ephesians 6:10-11  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  (11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

1 Timothy 1:18  This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

1 Timothy 6:12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

2 Timothy 2:3-4  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  (4)  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Philemon 1:2  And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house.

While the Scriptures tell us that our fight isn’t against flesh and blood and our weapons are not of the world’s design, we are definitely in a spiritual battle.  We fight it every day.  Satan and the demonic host fight against all that is wholly and all who name the name of Jesus.  They also battle to keep the lost from leaving Satan’s ranks and entering the army of the Lord.

Today, remind yourself who your Commander In Chief is.  Serve Him with honor and dignity.  And celebrate the spiritual birthday of when you became a soldier.

¹https://www.army.mil/1775/?from=features

²Ibid.

³https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2023-06-13/us-army-248th-birthday-celebration-10425581.html

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