|
The Price of Freedom
When David heard that his mentor-turned-enemy Saul and his beloved friend Jonathan had perished in the war against the Philistines, he penned a lament with the refrain, "How the mighty have fallen!" He and all the men with him mourned and wept and fasted for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. As we approach Memorial Day here in the United States, note the attitudes toward soldiers reflected in the scripture. They are respected, and, even in defeat, considered mighty. Their deaths cause mourning. Food, sign of that which revives life and strength, is set aside for a while so full attention can be given to tears and prayer. And, perhaps, so the living will remember that our continued existence and prosperity depends on the sacrifice of the fallen. Before Monday's parades and speeches, find some time to mourn. For our freedom has been bought at a high price. What is true of our political freedom is all the more true of our spiritual freedom. |