The story is told that during the
early day of the Civil War a Union soldier was arrested on charges of desertion. He could not prove that the charges were
unfounded and was declared guilty and condemned to die as a deserter. An appeal was made on the soldier’s behalf
and, as fate would have it, the paperwork ended up on President Lincoln’s
desk. The president was moved by the
appeal and signed a pardon, freeing the soldier. Then the man did a most surprising
thing. He reenlisted, returned to
service and fought the entirety of the war on the side of the North. Tragically, he was killed just as the war was
coming to its conclusion. In looking for
some identification, found within the breast pocket of the soldier was the
signed pardon of the president.
In verses one and two of chapter
five, Paul describes the “not guilty” verdict we have received by being declared
“justified by faith.” God’s pardon of
our sins has given us “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus’ victorious battle over sin, death and
hell has brought peace for all who trust in the Lord. We can live life without fear of God’s punishment. We can enlist in the Lord’s service as
soldiers of the cross. We can arm
ourselves for battle with the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Holy
Word. We can share the Word with those
whose hearts are troubled and confused.
May the rich grace of God move you to faithful service as a soldier of
the cross of Christ Jesus!
