God has given national governments the responsibility to “bear the sword” for the purpose of keeping order by punishing evil.  Jesus’ apostle Paul made this very clear in Romans 13:1-5 calling governments (including the Roman government) God’s “deacons” whose intended purpose is to “bring wrath on the one who practices evil”.

Obviously some abuse power.  Such abuse, however, only serves to highlight the divine wisdom that is reflected in those who do wield power with justice. 

For God’s purpose to be fulfilled, there must be those willing to step up to the challenge of taking the sword in hand according to law, to face those who do evil.  On the local level, this would be our police forces, deputies and other law enforcement agents often referred to as the “thin blue line” of defense between those who abide by law and those who do not.

On an international level, the role of sword bearers falls to all branches of the military who are as well ordained from on high to “be a cause of fear for evil behavior”.

It is often dangerous work as these who bear the sword regularly confront those who would do untold evil to the rest of us if not restrained.  Few other callings require of those who answer that they put their own lives on the line to protect others.  Yet, there have been many who answered that call, and many who are doing so even as you read this article.

Many have already offered up as Abraham Lincoln so appropriately put it, “their last full measure of devotion”.  Others stand ready in their valor to do the same if called upon for that purpose.  For this, we owe them our full-fledged support and gratitude.  It is as Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends”, John 15:13.

May we always remember that Almighty God is a nation’s only real defense against evil.  Yet it is God who ordains some to bear the sword for this same purpose, and calls them his ministers.

Render honor, to whom honor is due.