Though all of us wish that freedom could be secured other than through conflict, history reveals that freedom only comes through military victory. No doubt, countless millions of Americans have prayed for our leaders and for our troops. A gracious God has granted success so that people long suppressed and oppressed would have an opportunity to determine their destiny without coercion. David understood the importance of securing his borders and subduing his enemies. His calling was not to build a temple, though that was his desire --
… “But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.”(Chron 28:3 NASB)
This was not a criticism of David but rather Divine sanction for his mission as king of Israel. David understood his mission and acknowledged --
… “He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”(Ps 18:34 NASB)
“Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle; My lovingkindness and my fortress, My stronghold and my deliverer; My shield and He in whom I take refuge; Who subdues my people under me.”
(Ps 144:1-2 NASB)
When freedom comes to a people, there is great opportunity to hear of the One who brings not only establishment freedom, but freedom in the spiritual realm. If the nation responds to Truth, there is great spiritual prosperity and accompanying material blessings. So it was in the time of Solomon who succeeded his father on the throne. God’s Word teaches that when freedom comes to a people, there is great opportunity to hear of the One who brings not only establishment freedom in a nation, but freedom in the spiritual realm. If the nation responds to Truth, there is great spiritual prosperity and accompanying material blessings. So it was in the time of Solomon who succeeded his father on the throne. God’s Word says --
…“Blessed in the nation whose God is the Lord.”(Ps 33:12)
Many centuries later, Jesus reiterated the principle of spiritual freedom --
… “if the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”(John 8:36)
He was speaking of His saving work on the Cross whereby mankind is freed from the slavery of sin. With spiritual freedom secured, the opportunity is now ours to believe in Him and then mature in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. That freedom to enjoy moment by moment fellowship with the God of the universe is the privilege of all who have accepted Jesus as their Christ. To those who have availed themselves of God’s grace provision, the promise is real --
… “shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.”(John 8:32)