Selective Service

                Fifty-three years ago today....October 4 of 1969....I would have been two weeks into Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. There was no longer any 'Twinkie and a Coke' snacks any time I wanted it....which was often.....no weekend beer bashes.....no hair....and no females to take my attention. Those eight weeks....in retrospect....were eight of the most important weeks of my life.
                The army announced yesterday that they fell short of their enlistment goals by about 25%. The other services reached their goals but had to dig deep into delayed enlistments to do it.....so they are already behind as they start the new enlistment year. I had posted on a military draft a few times over the years in these posts. If we are involved in a major war....and certainly a two-front war.....you can expect the Congress to reinstate the draft.....and what kind of draft would that be?
                Women still do not have to register for the draft. Immigrants....an all young men.....between the ages of 18 and 25....(25 for now)....are on paper required to register. As of now there is no student deferment as there was fifty years ago....for the young man gets to finish his semester.....and that is it. Do you really need me to ask you to ponder a draft.....in today's world.....in today's culture.....to see what that draft would look like....and how near impossible it might be to draft for war.....an keep peace at home?
                There are so many issues today that by all rights should keep us in prayer for God's protective hand upon us....this is but one of them. The Christian....man and woman....young and old.....no matter their health....is already a soldier for Christ. All were drafted....chosen....and called....none enlisted on their own. There is needed training....needed supplies and equipment....battles will follow even before the training is complete. There will be wounds....and defeats....but there is a difference here.....in that the battle has already been won. We may continue to struggle on this battlefield....but if we would but look up we could see the cloud approaching in the distance of space.....and if we but cup our hand over our ear we could hear the approaching hoofbeats....of Christ on His white horse....and all His mighty angels....mounted....and swords withdrawn from their scabbards