SOLDIERS OF THE KING
SOLDIERS OF THE KING
By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.
© God’s Breath Publications
“Brothers and Sisters, let’s prepare for our journey!” Barks one of the larger soldiers.
The group of white‑robed Believers adorn themselves with their armor. Leather sandals are slid onto feet anxious for travel. Heavy leather belts are guided around waists and latched for support. Shiny metal breastplates are lashed against chests within which beat strong dedicated hearts. Ornate protective helmets adorn each Believer’s head. Strong arms raise the metal shields that are emblazoned with a cross, the emblem of their King. Razor‑sharp swords are placed in their scabbards. Each piece of armor is necessary for the dangerous journey ahead and crucial for their survival. Most assuredly they will encounter enemies in their travels and preparedness is mandatory for survival.
These believers have been called to serve their King in a land that is not their home. Each has been selected, not for their skills, abilities or talent, but simply because the King has chosen them according to His will. They have all been taken from a life of darkness, death and destruction and given a life of peace, hope and light. Each has been given the necessary tools for the battles they will face and feel privileged to have such a calling. They love their King and are willing to die for Him and His Kingdom. Within each of them burns the flame of the King’s will. They will travel this evil land spreading the message of the King, ministering to those in need of assistance and defending the honor of their Master.
“Ready all. Let’s journey for our King!” shouts a female soldier.
The Believers respond in unison. “Hail to the King, our Master!”
The band of Believers march down the dusty road ahead, eyes alert, searching for any trace of evil. Each pair of ears is sharply tuned to the slightest sounds coming from the surrounding forest. The Believers form a long column, two abreast, as they travel down the center of the road.
“They come!” shouts the watchman ahead.
The column of Believers respond by turning, back to back, so each face the forest that surrounds them on each side. A metallic chorus sounds as hundreds of swords are drawn from their scabbards. Each soldier raises their huge shield anticipating an attack of the enemy. Cautious brave eyes peer out of protective helmets. A heavy silence presses in on the band of Believers.
Horrible cacophonies of screams are heard from the depths of the forest. Flaming arrows rain down upon the road where the Believers stand. Each soldier raises their shield above their head for protection. Sparks cascade in every direction as the arrows ricochet off the hard metal. Each Believer prays for strength to withstand the onslaught. Thousands of flaming missiles continue to pour down upon the column of soldiers. The acrid smell of sulfur and brimstone fills the air. Arms grow weary of holding the protective shields, but no one wavers in their determination to survive.
As soon as it had begun, the ambush ends. The soldiers gaze at the scene around them. Piled along the road in disarray, is a two-foot thick layer of smoking arrows. Each poisonous tip glows from the heat that yet remains. Each Believer examines the surface of their shield and to their surprise no damage can be found. Truly their King has provided the strongest of defenses for His followers. Even their white robes remain unblemished by the firefight. What a wonderful King to adorn His soldiers with such apparel.
A voice rings out. “Okay all. On with the journey.”
The Believers continue on down the road praising their King and thankful for His protection. They travel only a short distance when they see several bodies lying on the path ahead. Horrible moaning sounds draw the band of Believers to the side of the poor victims who have been wounded by the evil ones inhabiting the land. There before them lay a father, mother and a child. Unfortunately they are not Believers and without any protection of the King have received numerous wounds. The Believers minister to them by removing the arrows from their bodies and anointing their wounds with oil. The glorious message of the King is shared with them. Each responds to the King’s message and accepts the pure white robes and armor of their new Master. They dedicate themselves to joining the group of soldiers and serving the King of the Believers. All of the soldiers rejoice that day at the additions to their traveling family.
“They attack!” cries a watchman.
The column of Believers again takes their defensive positions. Whispers of prayers can be heard coming from the lips of the King’s soldiers. Shields are raised as arrows pelt down in showers of red flame. Once again swords are drawn from scabbards ready for use. Numerous ugly creatures lunge out of the bushes at the wall of Believers. The King’s soldiers thrust their swords into the beasts. Horrible screams emanate from the mouths of these demons as they retreat in pain. The faithful Believers repel wave upon wave of enemies. They fight for the glory of their King. They know victory is theirs because of the King they serve. Gradually the evil horde and their cloud of darkness retreat into the depths of the forest. The Believers rise to their battle‑weary feet, thankful for their armor and swords. The faith of the Believers grows as they consider how their King has given them the strength to survive.
“Help! Help me!” a forlorn voice calls.
A dozen Believers run down a side path towards the call for assistance. At the end of the path they find a Believer trapped in a snare. As they gaze around them, dozens of traps and snares can be seen.