Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. (Ps. 82:3)
Expanded Passage: Psalm 82:3
I have had the distinct privilege to serve and deploy with the military police. I have also worked in security and, while pastoring, I worked with strong individuals to develop a security team at my first church. In all my time serving and working in these fields, I was taught something very valuable by those I served with: If you are able, it is your responsibility to protect and defend those who can’t defend themselves. The women and men I served with were willing to lay down their own lives for the innocent and the helpless. They were true protectors.
God is calling all Christian warriors to action. If you are able, as a Christ follower, it is your responsibility to defend and protect the weak, helpless, and orphaned. I understand this is a daunting task, especially if you try to do it yourself. However, our encouragement and strength are not our own but found in the Lord. God is seeking Christian warriors who are willing to stand up and say, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa. 6:8).
We may not be perfect in the spiritual battle, but we serve a perfect and powerful God who will lead the way. The question is, are you willing to be a Christian defender and protector? It is our responsibility to follow God and defend the weak and orphaned.
Be quick to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
Andrew Christman is a proud veteran of the US Army and serves as a hospital chaplain in Columbia, South Carolina. He is a graduate of Wesley Seminary (IN) and an ordained Wesleyan pastor.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
