Lesson 169: Denial and Preparation
A new season for reenacting is upon us my beloved compatriots. We gather in meetings to coordinate our activities; we attempt to design our plans so that other units support each event, we want our efforts to be successful. This success is desired so that our ancestors will be honored in a highly respectful manner with the greatest number of troops on the field. We are eager to enlist our brother units (blue and grey) to our aid. Anticipation is high, enthusiasm is mounting, and we are preparing for the battles with all our greatest talents. All is depending upon the cooperation and participation of the entire reenacting community
Pastor J. W. Binion
Pvt. Edward F. Arthur Camp 1783 SCV
5th Ky. Infantry CSA
This is a good thing – to prepare and be prepared. In order to win the victory we must do all these things. My heart is warmed by all the dedication I see when attending these gatherings. To have so many with like purpose and minds working together to achieve a goal is truly wonderful. To see our brothers and sisters unashamedly wearing the appropriate period dress is awesome. It is equally inspiring to observe all these folks willing to answer questions about our endeavors and encourage others to come be a part of our mission. Our community is to be praised.
We have entered a time in the annual calendar of the church that is also calling Christians to preparation and proclamation. This time of year is called LENT. It is a time when we anticipate the celebration of the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Many denominations ask their adherents to deny themselves something significant. It is not that anyone thinks by denying these worldly pleasures one will gain access to eternal life. No, this act of self-denial is meant to remind us of the sacrifice made by our eternal God by the death of His only begotten Son.
This Lenten period is intended to call us to remember the words of our Lord when He said in the Gospel according to St. Luke Chapter 9, “23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? 26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.” Denying self is to lose sight of our own comfort and pride. Denying self is to focus on our Lord and His kingdom.
Just as we prepare for a new reenacting season, we must prepare to serve the Lord in unity with other Christians. Just as we seek the help of brother/sister reenactors, we must seek the help of brother/sister Christians in spreading the Word. As important as getting the word out concerning our efforts to honor our ancestors it is even more vital that we get the word out about our blessed Lord. While we are fervent about bringing people to our events commemorating the sacrifices of our ancestors, we must become even more consumed with the desire to bring the unbeliever to the places where they might hear the Good News of the grace of our Lord.
The Lord tells us that if we are to come after Him we are to do His will DAILY. He tells us that if we are ashamed of Him – well, you know the rest. May you prepare to serve Christ Jesus with the enthusiasm that you prepare to honor our ancestors. Let us follow the example of our ancestors – Proclaim Christ in the camp. When we keep Christ in our camps we will have success in our efforts to honor those who have gone before us. May your 2008 season be safe, blessed, and fruitful for the Lord. Serving Sacred Principles, I am your humble servant and chaplain – Pastor J. W. Binion,