Craig Clouston

 

The Sound of Freedom

October 9

But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge…

Matthew 27:14

Lieutenant Colonel, Ian ‘Krank’ Taggart, is a jet jockey. Having flown thousands of missions during ‘Operation Desert Storm’, the War in Iraq, and the current war in Afghanistan, he has earned the right to speak about the cost of war.

“The price of freedom isn’t free, and the sound of freedom isn’t quiet,” Taggart said in an interview for a recent television documentary. He clarified his statements, “Millions of men and women have sacrificed their time, careers, and many their lives, in the fight to preserve freedom around the world.”

The picture cut from Taggart to show clips of jets flying over burned-out vehicles along stretches of highway in Iraq. The image switched to one of wounded soldiers being carried off the battlefield on a stretcher. The next clip was of several flag-draped caskets being carried onto transport planes; soldiers who had given their all were going home. It was impossible to look at these images without feeling the weight of their sacrifice.

Then the image of Lieutenant Colonel Taggart was once again front and center, his F-22 Raptor directly behind him. Pointing at the aircraft, he said, “If you’ve ever heard one of these get airborne you might imagine how loud the skies above the battlefield can be.” With a look that matched the tone of his voice, he said, “No, the price of freedom isn’t free, and the sound of freedom isn’t quiet.”

†

Many have paid a high price for us to live a life free from the tyranny of dictators and would-be conquerors. The price of war is great and we should never take that for granted.

But, the most important war in history was fought in silence; the outcome of which provided a freedom otherwise unattainable. When accused of the crime of heresy, Jesus uttered not a word. He could have called legions of angels to destroy His accusers, but remained silent; that silence cost Him His life…and purchased eternal freedom for all who will receive it.

Though the war for freedom on earth may continue, we can rest in the knowledge that our eternal freedom is no longer in jeopardy. Jesus ended that war with one loving act of silent surrender.

Prayer

“Thank You, Jesus, for dying in silence so I can be eternally free. I accept that sacrifice now and ask You to come into my heart and make me whole. Amen.”