FREEDOM OR CAPTIVITY!
"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest the people repent when they see war, and return to Egypt." But God led the people round by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. "The people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle"; Exodus 13:17-18.

God knew that if they were to enter into war with the Philistines (and they would) they would want to return to Egypt. When I read this passage and realized that even in those days of the Exodus, the people were afraid of war and would rather be held captive again, instead of becoming free men. Many times the Israelites would bribe their adversaries but it never worked. Being afraid of war can do that!

When we look back on 9/11 we remember the shear fear we felt as a country. We remember how evil men highjacked four airplanes and willingly flew them into two tall buildings, a large massive one story building, a building that held the government of the people and killed three thousand innocent, unsuspecting men, women and children without a moment of hesitation. We also remember the courage of those who intercepted the highjackers on one plane and brought it down before evil could carry out their mission.

When we look back, we feel pride as the country came together as one Nation under God. We banded together in unity as we listened to our President and the Congress reaching across party lines, pulling together the ties that would bind us into one spirit. The country was able to reach deep into their pockets and opened their doors to all that were left dangling by their boot straps.

But memories are short! The Israelites had just left captivity in Egypt but God knew they would want to return if they ran into adverse situations, such as war with the Philistines. America’s memory is short! We now open our arms to those who have attacked us and terrorized us by teaching their beliefs in our schools. By letting the imprisoned out of prison because they have complained of being mistreated. We are willing to offer financial support to companies that have misused their businesses for greed by taxing those who work hard for what they have with the guise of helping those less fortunate.

The sad thing is that even the innocent feel the repercussions of war and the devastation that it brings. The innocent fall pray to those who use their powers that go against the principles that were established to bring freedom and to experience the American dream. We cannot escape war by running away or hiding. As I have mentioned before, war is providential and war is necessary. God has deemed it so! However, we must pray for those who hold office! We must remember that God uses those in office to punish the evil and to reward the good. We must remember that God has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. I believe in God’s promises; don’t you? Jane Ann