George Washington & the Battle of Trenton

"My brave fellows, you have done all I asked you to do, and more than can be reasonably expected; but your country is at stake, your wives, your houses and all that you hold dear. You have worn yourselves out with fatigues and hardships, but we know not how to spare you. If you will consent to stay one month longer, you will render that service to the cause of liberty, and to your country, which you probably can never do under any other circumstances.” – Gen. George Washington, 12/31/1776

One week earlier, Washington’s troops had launched a surprise attack on the Hessian barracks at Trenton, NJ. Crossing the Delaware River under the cloak of darkness on a bitterly cold Christmas Day night, they captured almost 900 men while killing 22 and wounding 83. The Americans only suffered seven casualties: five wounded and two deaths from exposure.

Now, however, most of his men’s enlistments were up and due to expire at the end of the year. Desperate to maintain his army, Washington wrote to the Continental Congress begging for immediate bonuses while, at the same time, appealing to his soldiers’ patriotism, dedication, and devotion.

As Christians, we are involved in a never-ending was against Satan and his demons. We may win a few skirmishes but then experience a setback or two. In the flesh, the tendency is to quit, to throw in the towel, to surrender, but that is not an option for a true believer. Instead, we must constantly re-enlist and re-engage in the service of our Heavenly Commander-in-Chief (see Joshua 5:14).

Here is how Charles Spurgeon put it…

“The Christian is involved in a continual war, with Jesus Christ as the Captain of their salvation. He has said, ‘Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Listen to the battle cries! Now let the people of God stand firm in their ranks, and let no man's heart fail him. We may feel in these days that we are losing the battle and unless the Lord Jesus shall lift His sword we do not know what may become of the church of God in our time; but let us be courageous and bold.”

“Seldom has there been a time like this as biblical Christianity trembles on the brink of capitulation to pluralism and empty religious routine. We are in great need of a bold voice and a strong hand to preach and publish the Gospel for which martyrs bled and confessors died. The Savior is, by His Spirit, still on earth; let this encourage us. He is always ever in the middle of the fight, and therefore the outcome of the battle is not in doubt. And as the conflict rages, what a deep satisfaction it is to know that the Lord Jesus, in His office as our great Intercessor, is prevalently pleading for His people!”

“Turn your anxious gaze from the battle below, where, enshrouded in smoke, the faithful fight in garments rolled in blood. And lift your eyes above where the Savior lives and pleads, for while He intercedes, the cause of God is safe. Let us fight as if it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that it all depends upon Him.”

“On the basis of our Savior's atoning sacrifice and in the strength of the Holy Spirit's power, we charge you who love Jesus to fight bravely in this holy war, for truth and righteousness, for the kingdom and the crown. Onward! The battle is not yours but God's, and you will yet hear Him say, ‘Well done, brave warrior, well done!’"

(Three days after Washington’s men re-enlisted, he led them to another decisive victory at the Battle of Princeton.)

“And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” I Samuel 17:47 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President