The war began long ago in a distant land. A traitor ravaged the kingdom, stealing away many of the king's warriors. Betrayal left its marks on both those who remained loyal to their king and those who committed mutiny.
No one escaped the treachery unscathed.
The battle has raged across many generations. Many soldiers have lost both their lives and limbs fighting for their cause.
The conflict started over the throne—the right to reign and to rule. The rightful ruler was left with a mutiny on his hands and a throne to protect from those who chose to rebel. The Rightful Ruler's reputation was on the line; the whole of the universe watched the drama unfold.
Kings and kingdoms came and went; man's treachery and betrayal mimicked the original Traitor and Betrayer, with his characteristics ingrained in fallen humanity, influenced by the unseen realm of demonic spirits of the fallen ones.
Throughout history, soldiers have fought hard for their kings. Leaving their families behind, they followed their kings’ desires and commands. They marched to the beat of their kings' hearts, whether for good or evil, righteous or unholy. Good kings made sure their soldiers were provided for, sharing the spoils of war generously. However, evil kings were narcissistic and uncaring, keeping the spoils of war for themselves.
I have been pondering those who have fought the good fight of faith, those who have suffered greatly, those who have counted the cost and fought valiantly, giving their all for their king and kingdom.
The prophets of old paid a heavy price for voicing the heart of the King of Kings, calling for repentance, for teshuvah, and returning to the ancient paths established by the Creator at the beginning of time. (Jeremiah 6.16)
Zachariah son of Jehoiada, was killed in the temple courtyard by order of King Joash (2nd Chronicles 24:20-22). Jeremiah was beaten, imprisoned, starved, and thrown into a cistern. Isaiah was sawn in two, Ezekiel murdered by an Israelite leader, Micah killed by King Joram, and Amos tortured and killed by Amaziah the priest. (Wikipedia)
Some well-known soldiers in history include Joshua, the commander of Israel's army; Joab, David's ruthless general; Uriah the Hittite, a loyal soldier to King David; and Gideon, who was considered the least in his father's house and the smallest of the tribes of Israel. Early followers of Yeshua who were soldiers paid a high price for their conversion and loyalty to Yeshua. They were often imprisoned, tortured, and executed. The apostles paid a very heavy price also for their devotion to their King. Peter was crucified upside down, Herod executed James, Paul was beheaded, others were beaten, imprisoned, exiled, their devotion to the Messiah cost them everything…
But, they gained everything…Eternal life as promised by The King!
The bravery of women throughout the ages has also been documented. To be noted and emulated, here are a few well-known female soldiers of the cross:
Mary Magdeline, Mary, Yeshua’s mother, Salome, Joanna, Yael, Deborah, Lydia, Sarah, Hagar, Esther, Ruth, Hannah, Abigail, Phoebe, Priscilla, Junia, and the list goes on and on…
These people, both men and women, fought the good fight. They were faithful, loyal, brave, determined, and so very courageous. They faced giants, enemies of the cross, with their eyes fixed on the Crowned One, the Resurrection and the Life!
Joan of Arc was a young teenager who felt called to action by God, defying the social norms of her time. She paid a heavy price for answering that call, as she was eventually burned at the stake.
Perpetua, known as “The Unbreakable Witness,” was a young noblewoman from Carthage who was imprisoned for refusing to renounce her faith in Christ. She was killed in the arena while her infant son watched. Perpetua faced death bravely and encouraged others to stand firm in their faith as they also faced their own deaths.
Felicity, known as the “Warrior Mother,” was a pregnant slave who was imprisoned alongside Perpetua. She gave birth in prison and was martyred just days later in the arena. Agatha the Unconquered, a young woman in Sicily, was tortured for refusing a pagan official; she died from her wounds, but it is unknown what those wounds were from. The women of the Catacombs, unnamed but remembered in mosaics and inscriptions. The list is long.
Each century has long lists of martyrs who died for the cause of Christ. They fought the good fight, and they finished the race. They believed His promises of eternal life without pain or sorrow. He is a just judge. He will repay all the evil deeds done against His faithful children.
I am eager to share the insights I have been receiving from the Ruach regarding the concept of a soldier's portion. The information is genuinely inspiring and holds significant meaning. I found the following paragraphs while seeking understanding. I hope the writer's words inspire not just me, but you, too, reader!
A “soldier’s portion” refers to the share, reward, or fate that belongs to a soldier, often highlighting the hardships, sacrifices, or risks of military life, including the risk of death. This phrase has historical roots in military literature and the Bible, consistently emphasizing the costs of being a soldier.
🔍 **Three Main Meanings of “A Soldier’s Portion”**
1. **The Hardships and Suffering Expected of a Soldier**
Historically, a soldier’s “portion” includes:
- Hard labor
- Hunger or limited rations
- Exposure to harsh weather
- Risk of injury or death
- Demands for obedience and sacrifice
This meaning appears in writings from the Middle Ages through the 19th century.
2. **The Literal Ration or Allotment Given to a Soldier**
This is the most concrete meaning of the term. A “soldier’s portion” can refer to:
- Daily food rations
- Pay or spoils of war
- Equipment or supplies issued to soldiers
This sense is reflected in the history of military rations, where each soldier received a specific allotment of food and goods.
3. **A Biblical or Spiritual Meaning: The Fate of the Warrior**
In Scripture and Christian commentary, “a soldier’s portion” often symbolizes:
- The destiny of a warrior
- The judgment or reward assigned by God
- The cost of engaging in a spiritual or physical battle
For example, in 2 Samuel and Isaiah, warriors receive a “portion” based on their deeds, which can result in either blessing or destruction. This interpretation resonates intuitively with people, emphasizing the heavy and inevitable costs of being a fighter.
Brothers and sisters, I want to remind you that we are at war. This conflict surrounds us; it is unfolding on every front—air, food, water, entertainment, relationships, workplace settings, and in the medical and military industries. Even in our places of worship, we find ourselves in the midst of this struggle.
Each day, the path ahead grows narrower. As the enemy advances, the Ruach is unveiling what has been concealed for centuries—what our ancestors have fought against in every age and what those who came before us have battled.
We are faced with lies, deceptions, betrayals, and sabotages. Now more than ever, we need wisdom and discernment. The cost is high, our very lives. We, too, are soldiers fighting the good fight. Be encouraged, for the battle belongs to Him. He goes before us, and He is our rear guard as well. He sends His angels to engage in this battle alongside us. Like our predecessors who faced persecution at the stake, in the colosseums, and on battlefields, we too will be strong and courageous.
Hebrews 10-11 paraphrased from The Life Recovery Bible
Think back to the early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you stayed faithful, even when it led to greater suffering. At times, you faced public ridicule and were beaten, while at other times, you supported others experiencing the same hardships. You stood alongside those who were imprisoned, and even when everything you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy, knowing that better things awaited you that would last forever.
Therefore, do not discard your confident trust in the Lord; remember the great rewards it brings you! What you need now is patient endurance so that you can continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will truly happen. It provides us with assurance about the things we cannot see. Through faith, the people of old earned a good reputation. By faith, Abel… by faith, Enoch… by faith, Noah… by faith, Abraham and Sarah… by faith, Jacob… by faith, Joseph… by faith, Moses… and by faith, the walls of Jericho came down. Rahab was saved; David, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Samuel, and all the prophets overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God promised them.
We, too, will have the soldiers portion…eternal life…in the King's kingdom, the spoils of war! For our King is a generous king~!
1 Corinthians 2:9 CJSB
No Eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no one's heart has imagined all the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.
