While “Independence Day” is over with for another year, and the flags might be put away & fireworks spent, I’m hopeful the gratefulness for our
freedom will linger a bit in our minds.
56 men, representing the 13 colonies signed the declaration that would hurl the new ‘nation’ into war with Great Britain. They came from different walks & backgrounds. Each put life, family & possession at risk when they affixed their names to the document. It was treason & they risked hanging from a rope if this endeavor had failed. It was no small feat to align themselves with the cause & they knew full well the possible cost. Still they signed & many served in this new army.
(If you are interested in a factual account of the signers check out
www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2007/06/Independence-Forever-Why-America-Celebrates-the-Fourth-of-July)
All through our 234 year history men & women have still placed themselves in harm’s way for the cause of freedom. Many may argue the merits of taking up a cause for another across the globe, but I’m sure the innocent being crushed under the boot of tyranny & injustice were thankful for those who stepped in to help secure their lives & freedom. I’m thankful for those whose life’s blood was bled out on some foreign soil to maintain the freedom we so take for granted.
I have shared before my gratitude for those who risked their lives for our freedom, including my own family members. Even more so, I am thankful for One lone sacrifice some two thousand years ago on a far away soil. Blood was spilt & a life was laid down to secure my eternal freedom. The God/man Jesus was the only One Who was qualified to be a substitution for my sin debt. So sacrifice He did, not just for every wicked thing I’ve thought or done, but for the billions upon billions through time. On a rocky crag He spread out His arms & became the sacrificial Lamb.
I love my country. But if this Republic were to fall tomorrow, my citizenship lies in heaven & no one can take that from me. For that, again, I am eternally grateful.
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-36
I came across a video the other day that I shared with my church in worship, simply entitled, “Allegiance.” It succinctly spells out the feelings I have for freedom & the hope I have for my own son. Here’s a link to the video & to another I made a few years back in honor of those who laid down their lives for us entitled “For Freedom”.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=esb_CdPwGJ8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HIzryZLBk8
I pray you know true ‘Freedom’ this Independence Day. I’m thankful for independence of tyranny & Dependence on Christ.
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