“Mighty men they were, of iron nerve and strong hand and unblanched cheek and heart of flame…And such were the sons of the mighty who responded to the Divine call.”

- Bishop Charles Galloway

As I reflect on God’s Word and what history in this great place has shown me, I can’t get out of my mind a discussion I had with the Pastor about the aforementioned Regiment…Its hard to imagine that this was originally a backhanded name created by the British because of the way they (Pastors) dressed – you may recall this portrayed in the movie “The Patriot.” Some historians would tell you that the robe never came off because these Pastors were so eager to get in the fight!

Again, remember that the basis for all of this was the foundation of God’s Word and not because these leaders of the pulpit were simply hungry for war. It is also important to remember that if you truly research the Declaration / Constitution / and the Bill of Rights (ratified later in 1791) you will see that these were the first ever “cut and paste” documents made. From what you may ask, predominantly sermons that were preached in and around the surrounding communities.

John Adams is also recorded as saying that during this time the “pulpits thundered” and considered most of these men the driving force towards independence and revival.

Can we return to that?

What will that take?

Are we willing to truly die?

Die to self?

Die for Him?

The cross was seen as the most humiliating way to die. So why the cross then, in the past the cross was used by the Romans when a group of Jewish rebels would try an uprising – they would use this to make an example out of them to put an end to the uprising. The Romans knew better than anyone how to “dispatch” people quickly and be cost effective in doing it.

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

[23] And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily (to be prepared to endure severe suffering, even to the point of death) and follow me. [24] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. [25] For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits (great loss – losses not only the cargo but the ship Acts 27:10) himself? [26] For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (ashamed and humiliated to be denied as we have denied Him) [27] But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
(Luke 9:23-27 ESV)

[26] “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. [27] Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
(Luke 14:26-27 ESV)

Can we engage the battle and not be willing to really not bear our own cross? Does the unbelieving world look at you and see you in a black robe for Jesus? Does the lost and dying world see you as a warrior for Christ who is willing to die to self EVERYDAY?

King Jesus,
I thank you for the cross – Father I pray to you tonight that you would reveal to each of us in your body where or what we lack in following You. I pray that you would give us eyes to see the unseen, the opportunity to impact the world for You…large or small I pray that You would be glorified.
Amen…

Adrian “AG” Green