Uplook - November 7, 2026
Good morning and happy Saturday,
This week in the USA we celebrate Veteran's Day (once known as Armistice Day). It is celebrated on the 11th day of the 11th month because it was in 1918 on that day an armistice was signed effectively ending World War I. At the time they called that "the war to end all wars" and yet today we know that wars have continued not only involving our country but around the world.
Today I don't want to delve into the theological arguments for and against war but only to acknowledge two things. The first is that there is coming a time when according to the prophet Isaiah (along with Joel and Micah) there will no longer be need for soldiers and armies.
And he shall judge among the nations, And shall rebuke many people: And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruninghooks: Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2:4
But until that day we honor those who have served in the military to defend the God given rights afforded us in the United States Constitution. Although I did not serve in the military, my father served in the US Army's 82 Airborne and Lori's father served in the Army Air Corps (precursor to the Air Force). Lori's grandfather Smith served as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers and traveled the world while serving the Lord.
It is interesting that Jesus spoke directly to soldiers. They heard him teach and asked what they should do. Jesus' response was they should not intimidate by force or falsely accuse anyone and to be content with their wages. Interesting instructions for sure. To a humble officer (Roman centurion) with a paralyzed servant, Jesus spoke of his great faith and understanding of divine authority and healed the servant. At his crucifixion, another officer witnessed Jesus' last cry and breath and declared "Truly this man was the Son of God." It was to a soldier named Cornelius, that the Apostle Peter was sent proclaiming the Gospel message open to the Gentile world. And the Apostle Paul suggested to his protege Timothy that he should follow the example of good soldiers in active service, enduring hardness and not entangling themselves in everyday affairs that they might please their commander.
So...this week we honor those who have served or are serving. And we honor those who served or are serving the Great Commander who will someday extend peace like a river to all the nations.
God bless you all,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
This week in the USA we celebrate Veteran's Day (once known as Armistice Day). It is celebrated on the 11th day of the 11th month because it was in 1918 on that day an armistice was signed effectively ending World War I. At the time they called that "the war to end all wars" and yet today we know that wars have continued not only involving our country but around the world.
Today I don't want to delve into the theological arguments for and against war but only to acknowledge two things. The first is that there is coming a time when according to the prophet Isaiah (along with Joel and Micah) there will no longer be need for soldiers and armies.
And he shall judge among the nations, And shall rebuke many people: And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruninghooks: Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2:4
But until that day we honor those who have served in the military to defend the God given rights afforded us in the United States Constitution. Although I did not serve in the military, my father served in the US Army's 82 Airborne and Lori's father served in the Army Air Corps (precursor to the Air Force). Lori's grandfather Smith served as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers and traveled the world while serving the Lord.
It is interesting that Jesus spoke directly to soldiers. They heard him teach and asked what they should do. Jesus' response was they should not intimidate by force or falsely accuse anyone and to be content with their wages. Interesting instructions for sure. To a humble officer (Roman centurion) with a paralyzed servant, Jesus spoke of his great faith and understanding of divine authority and healed the servant. At his crucifixion, another officer witnessed Jesus' last cry and breath and declared "Truly this man was the Son of God." It was to a soldier named Cornelius, that the Apostle Peter was sent proclaiming the Gospel message open to the Gentile world. And the Apostle Paul suggested to his protege Timothy that he should follow the example of good soldiers in active service, enduring hardness and not entangling themselves in everyday affairs that they might please their commander.
So...this week we honor those who have served or are serving. And we honor those who served or are serving the Great Commander who will someday extend peace like a river to all the nations.
God bless you all,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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