By Pastor Mike
On a hot July 1st, the rolling hillsides and farmland of our country were disrupted by the marching footsteps of an invading army. Citizens peered out of their homes to view the ragged ranks of a foe bent on bringing war to the region’s people, destruction of the U.S. Army, and capture of the Nation’s capital. The year was 1863, the place was Pennsylvania, and the foe was the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia (ironically composed of former American citizens). The rebel army sought to gather supplies throughout the fertile crops of the region, growing in strength and then destroying the Union Army of the Potomac and capturing the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C. This force was determined to bring the war to a close, and by doing so it would ensure that the United States would be no more and that the institution of slavery would continue.
The Nation founded in 1776 was now in danger of self-destruction in 1863. The epicenter of this collision would be an unassuming little town. The Confederates hope to capture the village due to its many road junctions, then forage from the countryside. They embarked on July 1st with that specific purpose and assumed they would meet little, to no, resistance.
They were wrong.
Unbeknownst to the marching rebels, there stood upon the outskirts of this town a small group of men clad in blue determined to prevent this invading army from going any further. These men were from all across the country, from Pennsylvania to New York, Illinois to Indiana, West Virginia, and U.S. Army regular troops composed of men from all states in the Union. These were the troopers of General John Buford’s First Division of Union Cavalry. Buford was a native of Kentucky and he realized that if he and his men did not delay the invading army then the rebels would occupy the high ground beyond the town. This would force the Union Army to attack a heavily fortified enemy and could result in a bloody defeat that would cripple the National war effort. Buford felt he had only one choice, take his meager force and try to delay the Confederates long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
Long odds indeed, because the Confederates had sent over 10,000 infantry into the region, with an additional 60,000 on their way. Buford could muster only 2,900 troopers, and there was no guarantee that the Union army would arrive in time. However, Buford took the gamble. On July 1st, 1863 at 7:30 am the men of the 8th Illinois Cavalry opened fire on the surprised men of the 13th Alabama Infantry.
The Battle of Gettysburg had begun!
Sometimes as Christians, we are overwhelmed by the enormity of the tasks before us in life. There is so much temptation, so much trial, so much hatred in this world of ours. We can feel as though the enemy will overcome us or that the evils of this world will silence our prayers and Holy endeavors.
At times all we can do is hold on to the prospect that Christ is with us and shall return someday to make all things right. Like those Troopers in Gettysburg we hold fast to the promise that help is on the way, salvation is at hand, and the cause with which we are fighting is just and righteous. In the Book of Hebrews (10:23-25) it is written, ” Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
My brothers and sisters, in this week of Independence celebration, it may be easy for us to forget the price that was paid long ago for our ability to enjoy the freedoms we have today. But, even more so, we can forget the true freedom from death that was paid by Jesus on the cross, Our citizenship in the Kingdom of God overshadows anything else that we may experience, and it has been given as a gift. Even in our hours of frustration, anxiety, or fears, we are filled with the solemn promise of Christ’s return. So, let us grit our teeth, face spiritual forces of wickedness, and hold fast because Christ is behind us!
As for the U. S. Cavalry troops holding that feeble line outside Gettysburg, they held out for two hours against overwhelming odds. This was long enough for the Union Army to arrive and occupy the heights beyond the town. This ragged line ensured that the Battle of Gettysburg would become one of the pinnacle moments in American history and possibly ensured the future of the United States of America and freedom for countless others.
Abraham Lincoln would consecrate the ground with stirring words, such as “That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Hold the line friends, and Happy Independence Day!
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Pastor Mike McVey
Minister – First United Methodist Church, Fairfield TX
ACS Chaplain – United States Coast Guard, Station Galveston TX
Chaplain – Texas Game Warden Service, Freestone County TX
Cell: 919-935-2513
Email: pastormike@fumcfairfield.org
