Who was John L. Burns?
John L. Burns was a veteran of the War of 1812 and the Spanish American War. He was in his mid-60’s when he attempted to enlist on the Union side of the Civil War. The Union said no and sent him home to Gettysburg, PA, to retire and live a quiet life to the end of his days. Providentially, the war that was about to shift the history of this nation was about to take place at Gettysburg. The Confederate army got there first and Mr. Burns said, “Not on my watch!” He got his powder horn and flintlock musket and went out to face the Confederate army alone. He was wounded, but got up to fight again. The Union army took note, gave him a repeating rifle and let him join in. President Abraham Lincoln heard about him and made Mr. Burns his guest of honor when he arrived to make his now famous Gettysburg address. Never say you are too old to be a part of this movement.
“Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day.” (Joshua 14:10-12a; NIV)
Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:
Repent if you have thought that those older Believers need to retire and leave the nation-changing to the young. You may have even thought, “These old ones just need to get out of the way and let the young ones take over in the battle.” Make room in your heart for every Christian to participate in this move of God. We need every one of us!
If you are older, repent if you have felt like you need a break or need to stop and rest. Ask the Lord to refire you! Ask Him for fresh vision! Ask Him for a fresh assignment, if you’re not sure what to do. Don’t stop! Remember Caleb.
Known or unknown, young or old, soldier or one who watches after the children, we must all engage in the battle to preserve our nation’s heritage and expand the Kingdom! Give a shout! Let’s go!
A prayer you can pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for letting me live in this day and age. Thank you for forgiving me when I have felt like there are those Believers that just need to sit on the sidelines while those of us who are young or knowledgeable or strong engage in the battle. Forgive me if I have felt that I am not one God can use. Help me to remember those such as John L. Burns and Caleb who were fired up to hold the territory and take the ground you had given them when they seemed long past the age they should be on the battle field. We say today that there is room for everyone, indeed we need every saint to win this war! Amen.
Today’s decree:
Every saint is needed in the battle for our nation, young and old fighting side by side together!