How Dedicated Are You?

“As the winds from Hurricane Isabel swept over Arlington National Cemetery, the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns were given – for the first time in history – permission to abandon their posts and seek shelter. ‘They told us that. But that’s not going to happen,’ said Sgt. Christopher Holmes, standing vigil on overnight duty. ‘That’s never an option for us. It went in one ear and right out the other.’

Staff Sgt. Alfred Lanier, also on duty Thursday night, said guards might move inside if the storm became truly life-threatening. But he didn’t think it was likely. ‘Once you become a badge holder, it’s like you’ll do whatever you have to do to guard the unknowns,’ Lanier said. ‘For one, it’s my job, and for two, that’s just how much respect I myself have for the unknowns. That’s just something we cherish.’

Holmes said he was willing to risk his life keeping watch over the tomb. ‘It’s just considered to be the greatest honor to go out there and guard,’ Holmes said. ‘It’s not only the unknowns. It’s a symbol that represents everyone who’s fought and died for our country.’”

The men in this story regarded their duty and presence at the Tomb of the Unknowns as an honor and privilege, one for which they will suffer hardship, and even give their lives if necessary!

What a challenge to those wearing the name of Christ! Consider the comparisons of these soldiers to soldiers of the cross (2 Tim. 2:3):

1) These men hazard their lives to guard the tomb of men who died to protect out country’s freedom. Christians are to assemble to proclaim the death of Jesus, who died to free all the world from the bondage of sin (1 John 2:2) and to destroy our mortal enemy (Heb. 2:14-15).

2) The bodies of “The Unknowns” are still in the tomb, but the tomb of Jesus is empty (Matt. 28:1-8; 1 Cor. 15:4, 12-20).

3) The Unknowns died for our protection, but Jesus died and was raised for our justification (Romans 4:25).

4) “The Unknowns” are just that…unknown. But the apostle Paul said, “For I know whom I have believed…” (2 Tim. 1:12)

5) The work of “The Unknowns” is complete. The work of Jesus continues as He serves as our Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5), our Advocate (1 John 2:1), our Intercessor (Heb. 7:25), and our sympathetic and eternal High Priest (Heb. 4:14; 7:24).

The protectors of The Unknowns feel a deep sense of gratitude toward their charge. In so doing, they consider their responsibility with an utmost seriousness. Conversely, could it be said that those who willfully forsake the assembly do so because they are ungrateful? What is the source of their gratitude? They neither know Him who died for their sins nor consider the sacrifice made on their behalf. A hurricane couldn’t keep these soldiers from their post, but some who claim to be soldiers of the cross absent themselves from the assembly for any and every pitiful excuse under the sun. Can you imagine one of these soldiers missing his post because he had a headache? A little cold or sore throat? He had family visiting? He stayed out too late the night before?

Brethren, being a Christian is serious business! The consequences are eternal! Heaven or Hell weighs in the balance! Will you be found faithful (Matt. 25:21, 23), or will you be weighed in the balance and found wanting (Dan. 5:27)?

Todd Clippard