"The Few"

 

“The Few”

 

Since 1977 the U.S. Marine Corps has used the slogan, “The Few, The Proud” as a recruiting tool. It worked with our grandson Nate who took the Marine oath on March 12, 2020 but didn’t report to boot camp until June 8 due to COVID restrictions (including a two week quarantine period before his arrival at Parris Island). He’s now a Lance Corporal stationed at Camp Lejune, NC. We proudly display a banner recognizing his service to our nation in our front window.

Currently there are 1,195,000 active duty military personnel protecting us in addition to 788.000 reservists ready to step in if and when needed. Of this number 180,958, or about 15% of those on active duty are Marines and if all reservists are added in the Marine share is about 9%. So in the totality of our armed forces the Marines are certainly “The Few” but also “The Proud”. Semper Fi, Nate!

Over the course of history there are many examples of “The Few” who have made a huge difference. For instance, 56 patriots signed our Declaration of Independence in 1776 and in so doing said, “…we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor”. 246 years later we’re still the beneficiaries of their courage. Lenin began the Russian Revolution at a meeting in Prague in 1912 attended by 16 Bolsheviks and millions have been dominated, imprisoned and killed over the ensuing 110 years. And in 1948 Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows, George Beverly Shea and Grady Wilson drafted an accountability document which guided their ministry for decades by safeguarding their integrity in finances and conduct. It’s estimated that their Spirit directed efforts resulted in 10-12,000,000 million decisions for Christ. Again, “The Few” made a tremendous impact—in this case for God’s glory.

After Jesus’ eleven disciples witnessed His ascension to Heaven (Acts 1:9) they gathered in an upper room to pray (v. 13-14).  The group soon multiplied to 120 (v. 15).  When God’s Spirit empowered “The Few” at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) Peter preached and the church was born with 3000 baptized (v. 41), a number which rose to 5000 within a short time (Acts 4:4). From then on we read statements like “…The number of the disciples was multiplying….” (Acts 6:1, NKJV); “The number of disciples…increased rapidly….” (Acts 6:7); and “…Large numbers of people were brought to the Lord.” (Acts 11:24, NLT), all because “The Few” took Jesus’ final words (His “Great Commission”) seriously.

We as believers today may see ourselves as “The Few” but “…with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, emphasis added) as He works through us to accomplish His purposes.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan