Deliverance

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

We’re well into the “Summer Roundup: Called, Gathered, Sent!” and traveling through Paul’s amazing Letter to the Ephesians. In every aspect of life, Paul wants you and me to see God at work to rescue and restore you, and Paul continues to explain what a redeemed life looks like. This is important stuff, because those who lived in Ephesus lived in a challenging and often hostile culture. Being a child of God is accompanied by God’s support – which includes God’s wisdom. Paul reminds them, “Be very careful, then, how live – not as unwise but as wise. . .” Challenging times often require a shrewdness that is beyond us. This brought to mind a piece of our history as a nation.

We often think the Revolutionary War ended with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. But that war raged for 7 years beyond that and ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris September 3, 1783. All through those years, life in this land was precarious. Here is one account from the year 1781 that demonstrates just how precarious it was:

The Northern colonies were constantly plagued by armed gangs of Tories (American colonists that supported the British monarchy). These warlord bands would pounce on small settlements and pillage what they could and burn what was left.

Patriot General Schuyler was staying at his house just outside Albany, NY. A guerrilla British commander sent out a raiding party of Tories targeting the general’s home. They ambushed a Dutch laborer who gave information that three soldiers guarded the house at any one time. The Dutchman was let go in exchange for that information. But loyal to Schuyler, he ran back to the General’s house to warn the general of their plans.

Schuyler gathered his family in the most secure place in the house – the upper room. He then fired a pistol from a top-story window to alarm the neighborhood, then barred the door and the windows.

The soldiers who were supposed to be on guard had been taking it easy in the shade of a tree. At the sound of the pistol, they sprang to their feet, but too late. They already were surrounded by a Tory squad who subdued them without firing a shot.

General Schuyler saw the Torries approaching from the room upstairs. It wasn’t much of a defensive position – only a layer of wood between his family and the enemy. He had several African slaves that were part of the household. He gathered them as well and issued each man a rifle or a pistol. At the end of the room, the women were huddled together praying and weeping.

With a crash, the Tories broke into the house, stealing or destroying everything in sight. In the upper room, Mrs. Schuyler sprang to her feet with an urgent feeling. They had left behind the baby who was sleeping in the living room on the first floor!

While the general and his wife argued about rescuing the child, their young daughter slid by them, unbarred the door and scurried down the stairs. The Tories were so busy ransacking shelves and fighting over the valuables that the little girl was able to walk over to the baby’s crib and scoop him up before she was noticed. As she turned to go back up the stairs, one of the Tories came from behind swinging an axe. He missed her burying the blade into the stair railing allowing her just enough time to scramble back upstairs to her family.

As the huddled women prayed desperately for deliverance, the destruction and looting ended abruptly. They heard a shout, and the marauders retreated, running off with the valuables they could carry. The house was heavily damaged, but the Schuyler household was unharmed. They raised their voices in thanks for God’s deliverance.

That is a bit of a long story, but it’s an amazing reminder of how greatly God’s grace and salvation has blessed us. I can’t help but look to heaven and say, “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Your deliverance. Thank You that You have called together people to follow Your wisdom in difficult times to build this great nation. Thank You for those You’ve called to defend the freedom and peace that I enjoy.”

Let’s remember what it has taken to win our freedom. Remember Christ, His work on the cross and His work in your heart. Remember the ranks of men and women who were bold in their stance against tyranny. And let us all continue to Keep and Live the Faith!