From My Perspective - - -

The Cost Of Freedom should never be forgotten. In the modern culture that maintains a self-indulgence that is unprecedented, it has become too easy to be focused upon what “I want now” versus “What it cost” for that degree of freedom to exist. Today, for instance, should focus upon the many who placed their lives in jeopardy for the defense of the freedoms and liberties of this nation and in behalf of others who yearned to be free. It is now called Veteran’s Day to commemorate – to honor – all the brave men and women who have served in the military – and – especially the many who died in the conflicts. Originally, this was known as Armistice Day when the significant surrender of the enemy occurred on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour in the year 1918 ending what was called “The Great War.”

On this day, in November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

To that end, The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words: Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”

How will this day be observed across this nation? In all likelihood, with very little remembrance or fanfare. However, “Occupying…” is part of our current news and vernacular. “Occupying” groups are taking place in many cities across our nation. Some of them are orderly, while other groups are not. Regrettably, violence has occurred – rape and shootings – perpetrated by some who have infiltrated the Occupying Groups. Those given to conspiracy by the establishment will attribute that to police brutality. They will say that without a shred of evidence to prove their point – but – say it they will. Part of the primary purpose – to decry and denounce the one percent of the nation who represent “wealth and material gain” versus the ninety-nine percent (47 percent of who pay no taxes) demanding an equal share in the wealth. 

It reminds one of an illustration of Jesus Christ when he spoke of the 99 safe sheep and the 1 sheep that had gone astray. The shepherd would leave the 99 and seek for that 1 lost sheep. If we view this in a juxtapositional way, an effort needs to be made to reach the 99 who seem to be lost in their understanding of finances and business. They can “Occupy” if they wish – but – that is a command that was issued to the disciples of Jesus in terms of His Kingdom. In Luke 19:13ff, the Lord states a parable about a man of wealth and his distribution of some of it. The direction in Luke 19:13 (NKJV) is simple: “Do business till I come.” Most of us were nurtured in Church with the KJV of the Bible. It seems to be the only translation that expresses Luke 19:13 to: “Occupy Until I Come.” Clearly, the “Church” has lost its “Occupying” duty, vision and fervor. Our “Occupying” is supposed to share the Gospel message. How are we doing? Consider these things with me!