Muhlenberg, pastor and general

Pastor and General Peter Muhlenberg carried a side-arm and rifle under his robe every Sunday during the revolutionary war, while he led worship for his people. He was ready on two fronts. He preached the word of God on one front, and the bugle call could lead him to the battle front in a moment’s notice.

Here we see a pastor living out two calls to freedom, one civil, one spiritual. Public worship with his people was his paramount calling, but he was also called to be ready to defend his country from the tyranny of King George. One edge of his sword was preaching the eternal word, the other leading in battle.

Are you ready on both fronts today? Is worship for you public and primary? Do you value those who join in worship with you every Lord’s

Day? Are you ready to defend your cause against all foes, foreign and domestic? Are you willing to defend your neighbor from all harm? Are you building people up with a strong word of affirmation?

Jesus never frowned on His disciples carrying a weapon for defense. He worshipped in the synagogue and temple as a habit. He went the distance to defend you against Hell and eternal separation from God! He defeated the mighty tyrant, the evil one, for you. He baptized you, redeemed you, resurrected you, and delivered you into the kingdom of light. He will raise you up on the last day to be like His immortal and glorious body!

Stand up for Jesus in these days. Worship Him who adores you most. Defend the falsely accused, empower the downtrodden, encourage the widow and orphan. Speak the best construction on your neighbor.

Use every weapon in your arsenal to worship God and serve one another.

See you Sunday.

(The Rev. Kent Puls serves both Grace Lutheran and Mammoth Lakes Lutheran churches. Grace Lutheran Church is located at 711 N. Fowler St. Bishop. Sunday services are at 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (760) 872-9791.)