The Brothers

Born in the mid 1700’s were two brothers, sons of a Lutheran minister. Both of them followed in their father’s footsteps and entered ministry. The times were exciting and new; great hope was felt in America’s early beginnings, but soon… trouble came!

The British army was advancing fast, burning down buildings and seizing a gun powder warehouse. John Mulenberg, the son that pastored in Virginia, stood before his congregation and quoted Ecclesiastes, “There is a time for war and a time for peace,” and stated, “this is a time for war.” “We cannot sit idly by while the enemy takes all God has given us.” He proceeded to remove his black clergy robe and underneath was a soldier’s uniform. Then the call went out… “Who will join me?” Three hundred men joined that day, and they called themselves the Black Robe Regiment. 

But in New York, further inland, his brother, Fred, heard of this event and sent a scathing letter accusing his brother of confusing his calling to serve God with serving his country. John replied that we are able to do both and do both well. His brother sent more scoffing letters until… the British made it to New York and burned down his church. A complete about-face took place in Fred’s heart and he also, with his congregation, joined the Black Robe Regiment. Soon, many other churches followed suit and the enemy retreated. 

Do we as churches feel like Fred? Should we not care about the approaching enemy because it hasn’t affected us personally yet? We need a Holy uprising, an awakening to the fact, that we are stronger than we think we are because God goes before us. Do we see how fast Islam is coming in? Marxism is on the march, godlessness is becoming law, and the children are being killed, mutilated and confused. Youth suicide is at an all time high. We must step up! 

Do we recognize that it was the church that made the difference then, and it is the church that can make the difference now? May we pray mighty prayers that move mountains; May we speak up against evil and actively participate in the push back, while we are able. It’s time to join the Black Robe Regiment. Who’s in?

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)