Faithfulness in adversity
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
In our last devotion, we learned about Henry Muhlenberg, the man who was responsible for organizing the various Lutheran churches in America. His task seems enormous as we look back on it from our modern perspective. However, his sons would face even harder times as they sought to advance the Kingdom of God on the shores of America.
John Peter Muhlenberg was one of Henry’s sons. He was ordained as a Lutheran pastor after serving with a regiment of German dragoons in the Old Country. In America, he served a congregation in Virginia, which was made up of German immigrants. In 1776, it was evident to John that America was about to fight a war against the British for Independence. He read, while standing at the pulpit, from the book of Ecclesiastes chapter three, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven . . . A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
After preaching this, he declared that this was a time for war. He took off his clerical robe and revealed that he was dressed in his Continental Army uniform. He then proceeded to recruit hundreds of his church men to join his Eighth Virginia Regiment. John was indeed a bold pastor who was needed for a crucial time in history. Just as John realized a liberty that he believed was worth defending, so must we realize an ever greater responsibility. We have been called to promote the kingdom of Christ: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
Christ has indeed set us free from the great Adversary, the devil. Let us rest in this comfort and share this truth with others.
Do not despair, O little flock,
Although the foes’ fierce battle shock
Loud on all sides assail you!
Though at your fall they laugh, secure,
Their Triumph cannot long endure;
Let not your courage fail you!
Lutheran Worship 361:1