Steven J. Newton

AND TO JESUS I COMMIT MY COUNTRY

Pain filled my every thought but as I lay on the field of battle the sounds slowly faded away to a light bright with promise

And I found myself standing before Jesus Christ.

I was in full uniform and in my hands was an American Flag.

I did not know what to say or what to do so I knelt down on one knee before Him.

I slowly presented my Savior the only thing I had to give Him.

My love. And my Flag.

He smiled as He accepted the Flag and I finally got the nerve to speak:

I said, “Lord – I fought for my land. I fought for God Duty Honor and Country. I don’t know how long I have been gone…… Does my country yet survive?”

He helped me to my feet and then Jesus moved to my side and put His arm around me.

He spoke:

“My son, though the bombs were bursting in air and the red lights did glare

Come the dawn the Flag of your country was still there.”

I looked at Him and said, “Jesus, you blessed us from the beginning?”

He said, “Yes my son. America was created to be my right arm in the world. To right wrongs and to protect the innocent; to feed the hungry and spread my gift of freedom around the world. Many times you failed. But most of the time I watched as your country men gave up their lives for liberty and freedom – for themselves and for mankind. There is no greater love.”

As we walked He continued. “The world would be a much different place without America. MY America. Evil would rule and run rampant over my children. Many times the only thing that stood before the evil of the world was America. I have placed America under the protection of my strong right arm. But…

“As time has passed many Americans have forsaken Me. They forgot the lessons I had taught them from your countries birth.

“They took My name out of your schools and killed My unborn children. They embrace all kinds of immorality, and many worship at the altar of commerce. They build up their treasures on earth no knowing or caring that they should be building up their treasures in My Fathers kingdom.”

Tears started to form in my eyes. I said, “Lord, do we no longer have Your protection? Have we gone too far to deserve You? Will America perish?”

Several minutes passed.

“Son, all things will pass from the earth, and all things will be made new. But what will survive forever is the good that was done by Americans.”

“So my son, do not worry about your land. As long as they hold onto My hand I will be faithful to hold onto theirs.”

He reached over and wiped the tears from my face. He gently gave me back the Flag of my land.

“Behold,” He said.

Before me was a gold flag pole. It seemed to shimmer in the light and rose so high I could not see the top.

I looked at Jesus and He nodded His head.

He helped me unfold our flag and hook it to the pole, and as we raised the American Flag together, I heard the Angels start to sing: “OH, SAY CAN YOU SEE BY THE DAWNS EARLY LIGHT…”

As the Flag reached its pinnacle I stepped back and saluted and then fell at the feet of my Savior and said:

“FOR GOD AND COUNTRY, MY LORD.”