The Birth of a Soldier
(A fictional conversation derived from the scriptures located at the end of the story)
by
Robin Norris Brown
“This is the day we promised, this is the day they’ve waited for." *
“But Father are we ready?”
“You can do this Son, I know this is a hard task that I’ve set before You, You won’t remember Me right away, because you will arrive as a babe, but in time You will know who you are and what I’ve sent You to do. The people are in great need, they can’t hold on much longer. We have planned this together; we are in agreement that it must be done now. * We must put our plan into action. The enemy knows you are coming. He has deceived himself into believing he can stop you. He’s got his plan all worked out as well yet little does he know that in the long run he’ll be helping Us more than he knows. *
“Yes, Father, I agree, but he sure does put up fight! People just can’t understand that the battle is fierce and that it still has to be fought before the victory comes. They give up so easily, sometimes without even trying. I have to go, I have to show them that the battle can be fought and it can be won. You’ve tried to show them and tell them through the years and they’re just not getting it. Why won’t they listen, why won’t they learn, why can’t they see how much You truly care or how much you long to spend time with them?”
“Calm down, My Son, they will learn in time. You are my gift of love to them and I know You love them as much as I do. * I am proud of you for fulfilling the plan. It is a grievous plan and such a hard and painful battle for you. I love you so much and can barely stand the pain of letting you go, but we both know this is the only way. You are the only way!” *
“Are you okay Father?”
“No, it will be difficult for You, not everyone will accept you. The enemy will try to kill You once he finds out You’ve come into their territory. I’ll send scouts out before You they will keep one step ahead.” *
“It will be hard for you to submit to human authority; especially during childhood, but You will be able to show that obedience is important even when one does not always understand why. * You need to show that these things are possible. You need to experience what the people experience. You will know grief and the loss of ones you love, you will know humility, when they laugh you to scorn and spit on you, you will know rejection, which we have already experienced. * You will be mocked, scourged, beaten, lied about, and… I can’t bear to go further. * Not everyone will appreciate your gift; humans can be so rebellious and wicked.”
“However, Abraham proved that they are worth the effort, as did many through the years. If we could only get them all to listen, if just a few are saved, it will be worth the price… the price…My Son!”
“It’s okay Father, I’ve prepared myself for that which is to come and I know they are very much worth the price. I’ve watched them through the years; I love them as I know You love them. The plan is good and must be accomplished! Let the battle begin.”
“You can change your mind anytime, Son, if You think otherwise.” *
“I will remember that, My Father.”
“I will be close by, but it will be hard, I don’t think I can stand to watch on the crucifixion day, I just don’t think I could bear it.” *
“We’ll take one day at a time, Father. Just so you’re not too far during the many battles ahead, I will so need your wisdom and strength! The mountains of Israel are good places to pray; we can meet there when possible.” *
“All right, are you ready soldier boy, I hear the angels preparing? Mary and Joseph are nearing Bethlehem its time for your entrance.”
“I love you Son, be brave, be wise, and know that you are always in my heart. I am proud of you. We will talk soon. Basic training with your new parents and family first and then in time you will be on your own in battle, but I will not be far from you. It’s time for you to go…”
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)
9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:9-11 (NKJV)
Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth, Good Will Towards Men.
**********************************************************************************************************************
Below is the list of Scriptures that this conversation is derived from or click here to read them already printed out.
*Psalms 2:7, Micah 5:2-4, Isaiah 7:14
*John 1:1-5, Luke 24: 24-27, John 10:17
* 1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 1:17-18
* John 3:16, John 17: 20-23
* John 14:6
* Matt 2:13-18
* Luke 2:39-52 (NKJV)
* John 11:32-37
* Matt 9:23-24, John 10:31-32, Luke 4:28-30
* Isaiah 53:3-5, Matt 27:27-31
* John 10:17
* Matt 27:46
* Mark 6:46
*1 John 4:9-11
