It’s the first week of July. Plans have been in the making, since last July 4th, by our nation, state, and city, to celebrate this year’s Independence Day. It is a day which commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring our independence from Great Britain. We remember those who fought for our country in the past and are grateful for the men and women who serve today, so that we can continue to enjoy our country’s freedom.
Fourth of July events and parties usually include red, white, and blue clothing and decorations, flags, games, food, picnics, ceremonies, and concerts to be enjoyed with family and friends. There are parades of people, bicycles, bands, and even boats. Patriotic music, whether sung or played, tends to stir our hearts with appreciation and pride for our country. The evening is usually concluded with a fireworks display. And then the planning for next year’s celebration begins.
Four members of our family are out of the country this July 4th. Even though they will not have the traditional events, I wonder what they will do to celebrate. Since they are not at “Home”, will it be even more meaningful?
Although we go all out on this one day to celebrate our country’s freedom and independence, there is a freedom, because of our relationship with Jesus, which is ours to rejoice in every day of the year!
Psalm 119:45
I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
John 8:31-36
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
2 Corinthians 3:17
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Galatians 5:1; 13
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Hebrews 9:15
15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
Revelation 1:5-6
5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
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