Freedom: Our Battle Cry

Has anyone ever say the movie “Braveheart?” If you have or even if you haven’t, you probably remember Mel Gibson’s battle cry, “Freedom!” That is my husbands favorite movie or at least one of them. It is a historical account about a time when Scotland was fighting for their independence from Britain. It all started with a widower seeking revenge for the unjustifiable death of his wife at the hands of the lord of the land. There were some very oppressive and outrageously unmoral laws at the time.

This weekend, we are celebrating our own independence as a country. America gained its independence from England officially in 1776. It was not easy as it was also after a time of war. In this country we believe our independence is a gift from God, a blessing. Blessings from God comes to those who declare with their life that Jesus is their King. Through Christ, we have eternal freedom and there is no greater blessing.

Today we are talking about a very important moment in the history of Israel. This is a moment where they can physically see God’s blessings on them as a nation. They have, so far, upheld their part of the Covenant and God of course is fulfilling His. King David reigned over the nation of Israel fairly and justly relying on God as he ruled. He was only human and did commit a few sins, but in terms of being King for God’s people, he did every well. During his time, they fought off various enemies and expanded the palace. The whole nation grew in wealth. David always wanted to build a secure place for the Ark of the Covenant, which was the place where God dwelled with His people. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to do this in his lifetime. However, when his son Solomon had the temple completely finished early in His reign. So the whole nation rejoiced and celebrated the construction of the temple of God. At this time, everything was complete and the covenant between God and His people were strong.

Pray and read 2 Chronicles 7:12-18

2 Chronicles 7:12–18 NRSV

Then the Lord appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house so that my name may be there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all time. As for you, if you walk before me, as your father David walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my ordinances, then I will establish your royal throne, as I made covenant with your father David saying, ‘You shall never lack a successor to rule over Israel.’

After Solomon dedicated the temple to God, God accepted this as His place. This dedication was made with prayer and lasted seven days. Then there was a festival for seven more days filled with joy and peace. Solomon, filled with gratitude, went to his home which had also been completed. During the night, God appeared to him and spoke of the covenant between God and Israel.

Remember, a covenant is an agreement between to parties; as if saying, “If I do this, then you agree to do that.” If God’s people obeyed God’s commands, then they would forever have freedom in their land (maybe not complete peace as evil would still try to come against them, but they would be victorious). However, if God’s people were disobedient to God or put other idols above God, then they would not have freedom and would lose the land that was given to them.

God still kept His promise to David and Jesus the messiah was born of his lineage. However, we read in the second half of the Old Testament that Israel truly lost their way and worshiped other idols. Therefore, in keeping with the warning of covenant breaking, they were exiled to foreign land. They broke the covenant and lost their freedom. However, God never abandons His people.

There are ways that America has done wrong in the eyes of God. Our country has had times of war and oppression, division and strife. There isn’t a perfect government on Earth and no perfect rulers or laws. There is only one Heaven with us and is yet to come. There is a King of Kings and a Lord of Lords and He is coming again soon. Also, He has never left His people. His people are all over the world.

God does not reside with one nation over another. He resides with all of His people. We reside all over this world. Many of us reside in America. This is our home away from home. So what can we do when we live in world filled with war and division? Although we as humans may fail, His love is steadfast and endures forever.

Verse 14 is a pretty popular verse because it rings true today for God’s people. 2 Chronicles 7:14

2 Chronicles 7:14 NRSV

if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

We do need to pray for our country, our leaders, and for peace. If God’s people would be bold enough to publically live out our values and faith, yet humble enough to be loving to all of our neighbors even if we disagree with them, then our nation will be blessed. If we live for God, then God will forgive our sins. If we forgive the sins of others, then we can all live in peace and experience true freedom that is found only in Christ.

May we remember our nation’s history from the greatest of times to the worst of times and use these lessons as a reminder to pray. May we pray for our military and our leaders. May we pray for forgiveness for the ways we have done wrong and seek God’s will as we move into the future. May we praise God for the many blessings he has given us as a nation and never take any of them for granted.

Our freedom is not free, but comes with a cost. Many Americans has lost their lives to give us all freedom. Jesus Christ, the Messiah gave His human life for our eternal freedom. Thanks be to God.