CH(BG) Bryan Hult, retired, administers the Oath of Office to 2LT Hall

This weekend (May 23, 2011) Barbara and I were able to go to our nephew’s West Point graduation.  Forty-seven months of scrutiny, discipline and challenge were completed with a great hat toss.  We’re very proud of him for plugging away and staying with the program.  Upon graduation, we met at Trophy Point on the Academy grounds, overlooking the Hudson River where the Americans stopped the British ships from traveling further north by a huge chain.  Each link weighed about 1000 pounds.  At that point, when it was Renner’s turn, I read a passage from 1 Kings where Elijah passes the mantle of authority to Elisha.  The Lord retired me from the military last September and it was only fitting to pass that mantle of authority to my nephew since I have no sons.  After the Scripture, I directed, “Publish the orders!”  At that point, Renner’s brother Colin read the orders appointing Renner to the rank of 2LT in the Army of the United States under the authority of the Constitution of the United States.  It was an honorable day to say the least.  Jeremiah comes under God’s authority and direction in Jeremiah 1. But the LORD said to me: “Do not say,`I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. (Jer 1:7)  It wasn’t Jeremiah’s choice; it was Jeremiah’s orders.  God published them.  Jeremiah was to obey willingly and without mental reservation, just as commissioned officers are directed by their oath of office.  Then God said, “Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. (Jer 1:8)  I told Renner that one of the challenging things is to face a platoon of soldiers who don’t want to follow orders.  That’s when leadership is tested.  God is the perfect leader.  He knows how to give orders and supply what we need.  Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. (Jer 1:9)  It’s difficult to know how best to lead to get others to follow, especially when they have a sin nature.  In the military, rank makes things work when other means fail, but that’s not how best to lead.  Leadership is best done as a servant.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.(Mar 10:43).  May God bless Renner’s long career!  May God bless us as we lead people to Jesus Christ!  Publish the orders!

Uncle and Nephew at Trophy Point, USMA