Been there, done that is an expression used to indicate someone who has personal experience of the topic at hand. On November 11th, 2012, America celebrated its Veteran’s day in honor and in remembrance of the many living soldiers who fought to defend the people of the country. In the context of war, a Veteran is a person who is not afraid of going behind enemy lines and has been there and done that.
In the context of spiritual warfare, the ultimate Veteran who has been behind enemy (satan or devil or adversary) and overcome is Jesus Christ. He died to destroy the power of the enemy which is death (Hebrews 2:14), in defense of the people of the world (John 3:16), who were under its bondage (Hebrews 2:15) and overcame death destroying it and the devil by being resurrected to life, by the Power of God (Romans 1:4). In like manner, we ought to be warriors of God, for God. We need to withstand and stand in the evil day, adorning the whole armor of God, against the temptations, of the enemy of our souls (Ephesians 6:13,16). We can learn from Jesus himself, who was tempted in every which way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He is the ultimate Veteran, in dealing with temptation, and is able to succor us when we are tempted (Hebrews 2:18).
Points to ponder:
This Veteran’s day, while we wish our fellow veterans, gratitude for their service to their country, let us not forget to remember and express our heartfelt gratitude and sacrifice of praise to Jesus Christ – the Ultimate Veteran. He gave his life for you and me once and if he was asked to do it again, he would respond without hesitation, “Absolutely, Been There, Done That – I’ll do it gladly for you again.” The question is, would you and I be willing to gladly give our life to him, in response to his call of Love, expressed on the Cross. Do not continue to be subject under the bondage of sin and death. When our time on earth is due and the roll call in heaven is taken, can you and I say, when asked of our account in serving God as Jesus did, in being his servant and soldier, “Been There, Done That.” so he can say of each one of us, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”
Hebrews 2:13-18 (KJV)
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
