True freedom isn’t free!

Psalms 58:10-11 NLT
[10] The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. [11] Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.”

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.58.10-11.NLT

In my daily devotional reading I like to start my day with a Psalm. Today I was reading Psalm 58, and it struck me as I was thinking about the state of this world, and specifically here in the United States of America, as political divisiveness grows stronger, breeding more, deeper hatred and chaos in the political arena, which is spilling over into our daily lives.

Truth, justice and righteousness are being cast aside for the purpose of “defending democracy.” But the real agenda is to stoke widespread panic and stir people up to hating each other over political opinions and ideologies.

Yesterday Charlie Kirk was assassinated for standing up for what he believed in, lived for, and died for; freedom!

We may agree or disagree over some of the statements he’s made over the years, but he was a champion for free speech and open dialogue. He treated everyone he encountered with mutual respect and dignity.

He spoke truth and showed love and respect for everyone he encountered. I’m sure we all believe and say things that can be and are misunderstood, that can even place others at odds with us. But I’ve been following this young man for a few years, and his message and his testimony haven’t waivered.

Martyred?

Is he a “martyr ?” Some are saying so.

I think God will be the ultimate judge of that.

But what is a fundamental definition of a martyr? One who dies for the cause he believes in and promoted. The term is not exclusive to Christianity or even religion in general.

Joan of Arc and Sir William Wallace (braveheart ) were considered to be martyrs because they lived and died for freedom.

True freedom isn’t free. There’s always a cost.

In the vein of Christian martyrdom: one who dies believing in and defending truth, righteousness and justice, as they live to love and serve God and other people. Jesus told His disciples,

John 16:1-3 NLT
[1]  “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. [2] For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. [3] This is because they have never known the Father or me.

https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.16.1-3.NLT

I was also stirred by the brutal stabbing murder of Iryna Zarutska at the hands of pure evil, and how our failed American justice system failed this young lady by allowing this evil man to walk the streets, 14 times, knowing he was violent, repeat offender.

Where then is true justice? Let us pray to God and with one another as we pursue the answers to the questions that arise, as we seek truth, justice, mercy and righteousness.

True justice combines these ingredients when we are seeking to live our daily lives under the sun as children of God. Knowing that we are all, every single human being, created in the image of God, and that God is no respecter of men, meaning that he loves every single person the same, not more or less than another, but with His perfect and everlasting love .

True freedom isn’t free. It comes with a cost. Many soldiers and warriors have gone into battle and paid the ultimate price, making the most unselfish sacrifice; to lay down their lives for the sake of others.

That’s exactly what Jesus did on the cross for everyone who believes on His name; laid down His life for many, that they might be saved.

John 8:36 NLT
[36] So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.8.36.NLT