“…to whom much is given, much is required…” Luke 12.48
I am currently living in Washington, DC between Georgetown and George Washington University. A favorite daily discipline is to run the National Mall. At the magnificent WWII Memorial these words, “Here We Mark the Price of Freedom,” are etched in stone in front of the Field of Stars representing the more than four hundred thousand U.S. Service Members killed in action during World War II.
I struggle to grasp such a high number of lives sacrificed for the cause of liberty. Out enjoying peaceful mornings, I give thanks to God for the men and women who have served to defend this great country of which I am so privileged to be a citizen. Their sacrifice inspires me to keep going each and every day.
When I finish my run and return to my urban dwelling in Foggy Bottom, I look at the crucifix I have in the corner of my office living room. At the cross where Jesus Christ gave His life marks the price of my eternal freedom. His blood shed for me for the forgiveness of sin.
I am overwhelmed by the price of freedom. “My Savior, didst Thou die for me?” I cry the old hymn. Jesus gave His life so I might have the hope of eternal life. I give back to Him my life, my all to use for His Kingdom purpose.
So why do I share these thoughts?
Sisters, we have entered into a new season of challenge for our generation. The Islamic State is specifically targeting Christians. In February 2015, the khzaniri’s posted a video entitled, “A Message in Blood to the Nation of the Cross.” As a Christian, that was a message to me. The video showed the beheadings of 21 Coptic Christians on a Libyan Beach. Last weekend, after the attacks in Paris, the khzaniri’s said the attacks were against the “carriers of the cross” for Europe. Our brothers and sisters are being martyred. Others are being slaughtered, emolliated, raped, maimed, and enslaved.
You and I are the Nation of the Cross by the blood of Jesus Christ.
If we were so charged, would there be enough evidence to get a conviction? Let us not forget the cost of our freedom as U.S. citizens and our eternal freedom in Jesus.
Both freedoms come with a responsibility to live a God honoring life. “To whom much is given, much is required.” Let us commit ourselves daily to taking up the cross and following Jesus. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][tweetthis]Let us not be distracted by selfish or vain or petty interests, but solely focused on Kingdom purposes.[/tweetthis] Let us go neighbor to neighbor, family member, friend, and stranger sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Let us seek God, pray, continue in His Word, fast for wisdom and truth, holding one another accountable.
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#militarybeliever”]With every challenge comes opportunity for our Sovereign God to work miracles in our midst.[/tweetthis] I am humbled and honored that He would give us this mission to live for Him during this time.Sisters in Christ, I’ll see you on the high ground.
Chaplain Karen Meeker (karen.l.meeker2.mil@mail.mil)
Mark 8.31-38, Luke 12.35-48, Philippians 3.12-4.1, Hebrews 10.
Chaplain (LTC) Karen L. Meeker
U.S. Army War College Fellow
Institute of World Politics
Washington, DC
Chaplain Meeker is endorsed by the United Methodist. She is a graduate of Bucknell University and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classics. She received her Masters of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School. She received Clinical Pastoral Education at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She participated in two seasons at the Leon Levy Archaeological Expedition in Ashkelon, Israel.
Chaplain Meeker recently returned from deployment as the Chaplain for CENTCOM Forward Jordan. Chaplain Meeker’s previous assignments include the Iron Shepherd, 1st Armored Division Chaplain, Fort Bliss, Texas; Executive Officer, Office of the Chief of Chaplains, Pentagon; Accessions Officer, Office of the Chief of Chaplains; Deputy Command Chaplain, Combined Joint Task Force 101, Afghanistan; Deputy Division Chaplain, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell; Group Chaplain, 43d Area Support Group, Fort Carson and Kuwait; Deputy Group Chaplain, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), US Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Battalion Chaplain, 2-2 Aviation Battalion (Air Assault), 2d Infantry Division, Republic of Korea; and Battalion Chaplain, 307 Forward Support Battalion (Airborne), 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Chaplain Meeker’s awards and badges include the Legion of Merit, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Army Staff Badge
Chaplain Meeker is honored to serve Soldiers and their Families as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
