大象传媒

Good morning

It is a sobering thought that the freedoms we have and often take for granted have been hard-fought and won at great cost, including the ultimate sacrifice of the lives of many who have gone before us. This is so, whether it鈥檚 the freedom of my African ancestors from European enslavement, the right to vote, or the right of farmers in developing countries to get a fair price for their produce. Freedom and equality never come on the cheap.

Even as former South African President Nelson Mandela convalesces in hospital, he remains a shining example for us of how rights that are sometimes taken for granted have had to be fought for. The currency tends to be loss of freedom or loss of life. In his autobiography Mr Mandela says, 'Only through hardship, sacrifice and militant action can freedom be won. The struggle is my life'. The struggle for a free South Africa involved his full commitment to the point of a willingness to lay down his life. And he was accompanied by others of the same mind.

The Christian story of Jesus is often couched in terms of his life, death and resurrection acting as a model for how freedom or salvation is brought about. The idea is that humans who have turned away from the principles of their Creator are shown a way back to God. But that way is tunnelled through the joys of life, the suffering of death, and the power of resurrection.

銆赌

Oh God, we give thanks for those whose sacrifices purchased for us the many freedoms we enjoy today. Give us hearts that are ready to sacrifice, and willing to act to bring about the freedom and salvation of others. We pray too for the wellbeing of Nelson Mandela. Amen