November 7, 2013 (Thursday)
Yesterday my blog quoted Henry V, King of England. Today I quote GEORGE VI (who reigned 1936-1952) as he spoke on the radio upon the outbreak of war with Germany, September 3, 1939. The speech was marvelous, given the fact that he had a speech impediment, which he had largely overcome (as seen in the movie, “The King’s Speech”).
He began the speech by saying, “In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our history, I send to every household of my peoples, both at home and overseas, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling for each one of you as if I were able to cross your threshold and speak to you myself. For the second time in the lives of most of us we are at war.” He closed the speech with these words: “There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to the battlefield. But we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God. If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then, with God’s help, we shall prevail. May He bless and keep us all.”
Two years later, after Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor and other Pacific locations, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed the United States Congress. He said, “Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” Later in the speech he declared, “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.” As he asked for a declaration of war, he said, “With confidence in our armed forces–with the unbounding determination of our people– we will gain the inevitable triumph–so help us God.”
Long ago Jesus sounded the charge against evil in a spiritual war that continues to this day. Here’s what He said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:9-12 NIV). The Apostle Paul reminded us, “..our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). Remember the hymn, “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the Cross of Jesus going on before!”