A year before America got its independence from Great Britain, on March 23rd, 1775, the to be Governor of Virginia, an influential and radical advocate of American revolution and defender of historic rights, Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech to the gathering of delegates in the St. John’s Church in Richmond. It is 234 years since the declaration of American independence but even today the words of the man who claimed to revere the majesty of heaven above all else, still rings as a battle cry for liberty. We can apply the words of this historic speech quite aptly to our Christian life. Christian life is warfare. It is a fight. The great commission is indeed a command of war. When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we do not merely become sinners turned saints, but soldiers in His army.
The final paragraph in Patrick Henry’s speech was “It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, ‘Peace! Peace!’ — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
Indeed it is true that the war is actually begun [and it culminates in Armageddon (Revelation 16: 14,16)]! Our brethren (missionary men and women serving God) are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? Is our life so dear, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery [to sin and the adversary of God (Satan)]? Life without Liberty in Christ Jesus is no life at all. Let the following be our cry as well. Forbid it Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty [in Christ alone], or give me death [For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain]!
Points to ponder:
1. Are you/I standing idly? Let us equip ourselves with the armor of God and engage in the fight.
1 Timothy 6:12 (KJV)
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
