Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

During the Revolutionary War a man by the name of Michael Whitman was found guilty of treason. He was sentenced to die by public hanging. A parson heard of his plight and walked over seventy miles to seek a pardon for him. When he arrived at the capital, he was told that the only man that had the power to commute his sentence or free him was George Washington. Undaunted, the parson sought out Washington and began to offer intercession on behalf of Mr. Whitman. But the old general would not be persuaded and told the preacher that he was sorry about his friend, but the man had been found guilty of treason and was to be put to death for his sins. The young preacher looked at Washington and stated, “Sir, he is not my friend. He is my worst enemy. But I came here to beg for his life so that he can make amends for his transgressions.” With moist eyes of wisdom, the Father of our Country softly stated, “Oh, that changes everything. His sentence is commuted and he shall have that opportunity to make amends.”

Would it not be great to have someone intercede on your behalf? Would it not be wonderful to have so much love in your heart that you would be willing to lay down your life not only for a friend, but also for an enemy? I know you love your friends, but could you love your enemies? Matthew 5: 43-48 states that, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” The parson (his first name was Peter) not only professed love for his enemy but also demonstrated it by his actions. Did not our Savior do the same upon the cross? Do you know such a person? I do! Would you like to meet Him? I did! And you don’t have to have a formal invitation to meet Him. I didn’t. He stands at the door and knocks. He is your best friend. May you find Him now. Deo Laus, The old general