Freedom is a powerful word.
As I reflect on this momentous occasion of our country’s 250th birthday, I am amazed by the sacrifices our founding fathers made in the hard-fought battle for our independence.
Most of our founding fathers were wealthy but ending up dying as paupers. They lost their wealth, their homes, their families, and their very lives so that we could enjoy the freedoms we experience today. They were tortured. They made sacrifices we can’t imagine and died never seeing the fruit of their labor. But they held on to an unwavering faith in God and in the good plan He had for our nation. They never lost sight of their vision–an independent nation free to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They fought for freedom from tyranny. They had a strong faith in God, and their actions showed a love for God and others before self.
They paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.
As much as I value the freedom our founding fathers won for us through their shed blood, there is an even greater freedom I value.
The shed blood of Another bought freedom for me that lasts for eternity.
Nations can overpower other nations. But my freedom in Christ can never be taken away from me.
I once was a prisoner, living under the tyranny of sin. But Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price on the cross so that I no longer have to live in tyranny. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life,” (Romans 6:4).
I now live a new life of freedom through Christ, no longer a prisoner to the tyranny of sin. Does that mean I live a perfect life? Absolutely not! But I am free from the penalty of my sin because my sentence was paid on the cross by Jesus Christ, the perfect God-in-the-flesh, who came to purchase my freedom. I am free from the power of sin in my daily life because He has given me His Spirit to help me grow in holiness. And I will eventually be free from the presence of sin when I someday see Him face to face!
I am amazed at the sacrifice of our founding fathers. But I am so much more amazed by the sacrifice made for me on the cross by my Savior. When I was shaking my fist in His face, He still died for me. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8).
There have been times in my life when my faith has wavered, filling me with questions and doubts about God’s love for me.
But it all comes full circle when I go back to the cross.
There is NOTHING MORE, NOTHING GREATER that God could have done to prove His love for me. How could I ever doubt His love when I look at the cross? How can I not be forever amazed and grateful for His sacrifice?
Freedom. It’s a beautiful word. It’s a beautiful experience. It’s the reason He came— not to condemn us, but to free us.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him,” (John 3:17).
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…” (Galatians 5:1).
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed,” (John 8:36).
***If you have questions about how to have that freedom, please read the Gospel Message in Appendix B of my book, Planted: 120 Devotions for Deepening Your Roots in Christ. You can also contact me at deeperrootsblog1@gmail.com.
