“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).
My son, Jonathan, is at Fort Jackson this summer for 12 weeks of basic training for army chaplains called “CH-BOLC.” Even though chaplains don’t carry guns, they are still required to go through all of the physical and mental training of other soldiers and officers. They have to know how to survive in a war zone.
So, Jonathan has been receiving training in such things as how to respond when tear gas is deployed against you.
“I understand why they teach us to properly put on a gas mask.” He told us during a recent Skype call. “But why we have to take it off inside a gas-filled room and recite our name, rank, and serial number, escapes me!” He continued with a laugh.
They have taught him how to crawl under barbed-wire and keep his head down while “live fire” is flashing 18 inches over his head. “Can you say, ‘Sandpaper face?'” He asked, while describing his day crawling in the sand in 100 degree heat, in full combat garb including kevlar vest with armor plating.
Basic training is physically and mentally demanding, but they are preparing our sons and daughters for war. Chaplains go to war with their fellow soldiers, putting their lives at risk while at the same time offering encouragement and solace. This is a paradoxical role. Wearing army green, but carrying a Bible under their arm instead of a rifle. (Photo: Jonathan is the one in the middle with the big smile.)
Jesus plays a paradoxical role too. Even though He is the “image of the invisible God,” with all the “fullness” of God dwelling in Him, He came to our warring planet without a weapon in His hands. The Son of God became one of us. Even while we were at war with God, He laid down His life for us at Calvary.
This Christ is the Supreme Reconciler between God and man. He is the only way to be at peace with God. He is the only hope for peace in this world. One day, this peace that He has paid for with His own blood will be made fully manifest upon His return.
When Christ returns, as the song says, “We ain’t gonna study war no more!”
Until then, I’m thankful that there are young men and women who are willing to fight to defend our country. And I’m especially thankful and proud of those who answer the call to be representatives of our Supreme Reconciler on the field of battle to our soldiers. Thank God for chaplains.
This weekend, my grandson and daughter-in-law are going to visit Jonathan. They really miss him. Before they left, I asked my 2 year old grandson where he was going. “Goin to see Dada at chaplin school!” He answered, while clapping his little hands.
“Nate, you tell Dada we love him when you see him. OK?”
“OK Papa.” He pledged while hurrying to climb in his car seat to leave.