Risking your life

When the call to rise up against the oppressor came, and long awaited freedom finally seemed at least a possibility, the reactions among the people of Israel were very interesting. A majority of them seemed to have no guts for it, no drive to deliver their land out of the hands of the enemy. But there were some exceptions, and it was those exceptions that created history.

Men from some tribes chose to risk their life for a noble task. Their choice wasn’t one of death, but to risk their lives for the sake of their families, for their children and for their future. They weren’t choosing to die, but there was the risk of a slow and painful death. Historical battlefields have been places of gruesome torment and slow death. There’s nothing beautiful about dying in war, even if poets make it sound so, and statues of the dead glorify them. But these people counted the cost, and risked their lives for the hope of freedom.

When the call comes to the people of God to set the captives free, and to proclaim freedom in the land, it has a cost. Some people must step forth, take up the challenge, and face the oppressor. So many people are chained by the enemy. Many have so little hope. Who will go to war for them? The powers of darkness may seem frightening, their grip over people may seem strong, but we have a call from King Jesus to rise up and proclaim freedom. That freedom does have a price, however. We may have to risk our lives to attain what we’re aiming for!

They weren’t choosing to die. They were choosing how to live their lives. They chose to give up the comfort of their homes for a time, and to leave their businesses to others. For them the all important thing was to make a change in the history of their nation - not for the sake of the history books, but for the people who were to live that history. And they made it! Their sacrifice wasn’t in vain!

As followers of Christ, we’re called to choose how to live our lives. At times Christians have been too occupied with thoughts of their death – will they live until Jesus returns, or will they have to die and be buried? But more important than the questions about our death, is the question of how we should live our lives. How are you to live your life today? Your choice can mean freedom for someone else! You pay a price, others reap the reward! And you will sing the song of victory!

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the supreme sacrifice you made that I might have life. Help me never to so fear death, that I avoid the opportunity of really living for you. Amen.