Memorial Day 2007

King David was probably the most loved leader that Israel ever had. He had a respect and appreciation for the common person that won their hearts and devotion. He knew how to respond in various situations in ways that won the loyalty of his subjects and helped to unite the kingdom. A good example of this is found in the book of First Chronicles, chapter eleven, verses ten through twenty.

From the context of these verses it appears that the writer is remembering , or commemorating, mighty men who served David during David’s reign. The writer tells of a time that Israel was at war with the Philistines near the town of Bethlehem. The Philistines had a strong garrison and David was in a stronghold nearby. David made a statement that was a little bit selfish, but it was not a command, the Bible calls it a longing. The scripture says, “David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate.”

Imagine David’s surprise when a while later, three of his mighty men appeared, bloody, worn, and weary with a container of water from the well that David had mentioned. The Bible says that they broke through the host of the Philistines and drew water out of the well.

Now we see David’s heart in action, and David being the man that God described as “a man after my own heart.” When David received the water he would not drink it. David said, “My God forbid me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy?” Then David poured the water out as a sacrifice, and a memorial to the Lord.

When David realized the depth of love of his soldiers and that they had risked their lives for his comfort, the water took on a new meaning. The water became something sacred, too valuable to squander on selfish needs. On this Memorial Day I am thinking about the freedom and liberty that has been provided for us at great cost by our veterans, many risking their lives, and many giving their life in defense of our nation. I realize that this freedom and liberty we have is not to be taken for granted. It is too precious to be consumed in selfish pursuits. The way to honor those who have made those sacrifices is to use this freedom by pouring out our lives in service to others, to be good citizens, loving parents, and faithful children.

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Yes, thank goodness we are free, but freedom isn’t free, it comes with a price, a price that thousands of US military vets have been willing to pay. On behalf of all the crew on Wolfhill, “Thanks! We will never forget!”


Ronnie