"The Old Soldier"
God called for a soldier to come join in the fight,
To fight in day's heat and darkness of night.
One entered the battle and joined in the fray,
Satan's already working to make him his prey.
But this one had listened and armed himself well,
He knew that the battle meant heaven or hell.
A helmet of salvation he placed on his head,
Loins girt with truth as the Captain had said.
A breastplate of righteousness covered his chest,
"Be ready" we're told, "Satan comes with his best."
The gospel of peace helps prepare a man's feet,
And a shield of faith when fiery darts we're to meet.
Finally, the Lord places a weapon in hand,
It's one you will need when making your stand.
It's the sword of the Spirit and it's given to you,
It's mighty, it's strong, and always it's true.
The soldier had fought in the heat of the day,
And others he won who now walk in the way.
Sons he converted and a daughter or two,
A wife stands beside him, and he's working on you.
He fights and he fights and he never does quit,
When the Captain returns he must find him fit.
He's fighting for a city which can't be found here,
A city where God, Christ, and the Spirit are near.
Satan keeps fighting, but this is one he can't win,
This soldier knows where he's going, knows where he's been.
Behind him there's suffering, pain and a loss,
But before him a crown, the prize of the cross.
Satan strikes him with sickness, wounds, and disease,
But all is lifted when he falls to his knees.
Life's taken its toll, on a bed he's now lying,
Sadness for some, this soldier's now dying.
Satan's final weapon you now find him wielding,
The final enemy, death, and no choice but yielding.
Human eyes clouded with tears that make dim,
But his spiritual eyes are still clearly on Him.
The end is in sight, but this is the goal,
His name is recorded on the heavenly roll.
He's fought the good fight, the course he's finished,
The faith he has kept, his hasn't diminished.
The body is laid and will soon turn to dust,
The spirit's secure says One who is just.
The graves will open and dead shall be raised,
Forever the righteous are gathered in praise.
The soldier's armor beside him is laid,
He's now in a land where roses ne'er fade.
So why should we be so sad and forlorn,
Through pearly gates he's finally been born.
author unknown
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
II Timothy 4:7-8
Like this page?
Send it to a friend!