Reflection for November 2026

Divine Warrior

As Remembrance Sunday approaches on 8th November, we remember those who have given their lives in military service from 1914 to the present day. It is right that we remember them with gratitude and honour. Behind every name and unnamed grave, there is a family, a story, a loss and sacrifice.

I have also been thinking of my own grandfather, ‘Our Clar’, who enlisted when he was only fourteen with no questions asked, and shipped immediately off to France. Thankfully, he came home.  My nan’s brother did not; his grave is somewhere in France. That personal memory draws my thoughts to the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Warrior’ in Westminster Abbey.

The ‘Unknown Warrior’ represents the many who died in the First World War and had no known grave. No one knows his name, rank, or regiment. Yet for countless grieving families, he could have been their son, brother, husband or father. For those who never had the chance to say a final goodbye, his tomb became a place of comfort, dignity, and remembrance.   It remains the only grave in the Abbey on which no one may walk, as a sign of deep respect.

Around that tomb are powerful words from Scripture: ‘Greater love hath no man than this.’   These words point us beyond human courage and sacrifice to another warrior: the ‘Divine Warrior’.  In Isaiah, the Lord is described as putting on righteousness like a breastplate and a helmet of salvation. This is not the armour of pride, violence or aggression, but the armour of holy love, justice and rescue.

For Christians, Jesus is this ‘Divine Warrior’. He did not come to destroy lives, but to save them. He entered the battle against sin, death, and darkness, not with swords or armies, but with humility, mercy, and self-giving love.  On the cross he gave his life for us, revealing the greatest love of all.  Now he is risen, victorious and seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us. He is seated because the decisive battle has already been won.

Yet, wonderfully, the armour worn by the ‘Divine Warrior’ is now given to us. In Ephesians 6, we are encouraged to put on the full armour of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. This armour is not heavy with human power; it is strong with the strength of the Lord.

David discovered this when he faced Goliath. Saul’s armour was impressive, polished and kingly, but David could not move in it. Instead, he went into battle clothed in trust, prayer and faith. The victory came not through human armour, but through the Lord’s strength.

We, too, face giants: fear, grief, confusion, conflict, injustice and a troubled world where wars, disasters, mistrust and falsehood seem to surround us. But we are not left defenceless.  As we remember those who gave their lives, let us also remember the One who gave his life for all.  Put on the full armour of the Lord. Stand firm.  Pray.  Take courage.  Our ‘Divine Warrior King’ is faithful, victorious and with us always.

Sue Sandmann