HARRY MARTINEZ: The cost of freedom
Published 7:08 am Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Once again, the United States celebrates its independence from England. America is young when compared to other national entities. Yet, a careful search and understanding of history reveals that this nation is unparalleled in its accomplishments, prosperity and preservation of liberty. No other nation has continued to reap the bounty of God’s goodness and grace as has this homeland. While others seek to escape oppression and substandard living conditions, this nation has welcomed all who come seeking a way of life marked by freedom and the opportunity to fulfill one’s personal goals and dreams.
That avenue for opportunity and material prosperity was not attained solely through an admirable work ethic. While that was essential, the divine blessings on this nation have become the envy of others driven by greed and lust for power. Every generation must determine whether to succumb to the tyranny of others or fight to preserve its liberties.
Scripture acknowledges the power lust of those who seek to enslave any who are living under the divine blessings of a good and gracious God. David, reigning over Israel for forty years, understood his calling. “The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth” (2 Sam 23:3-4 NIV). The prophet Samuel wrote … “David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people” (2 Sam 8:15 NIV).
David’s legacy throughout the reign of his son Solomon gave evidence of his greatness. Solomon had the privilege of building the Temple in Jerusalem and never having to go to war.
His borders were secure and no surrounding nation attempted to threaten Israel. This was no accident or unusual time in history. The freedom and blessings experienced by Solomon were of Divine origin and accomplished by the hands of his father.
David praised the God of Israel in song … “God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them. and I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me” (2 Sam 22:33-41 KJV).
As in the days of King David, we in this country must face the ever-increasing threats to destroy the freedom so costly purchased by the men and women who have fought the attempts of some nations to impose a yoke of bondage upon a free and prosperous people. The enemy we face today is not only external but internal, even by some who have prospered beyond one’s imagination in this great Republic.
With freedom also comes the opportunity for spiritual prosperity. The privilege for America to take the good news that Christ died for our sin, was buried and rose again, has permeated every nation on the globe. Along with the message of salvation has gone immeasurable humanitarian efforts. Such efforts are costly, beginning foremost with the lives of those who have secured our freedom on the battlefield. God’s admonition to these United Sates is no different than that given Israel … “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24 NIV)! Lest we seem to forget, “praise God from Whom all blessings flow.”