Happy Independence Day! Today is the day that we, as a nation, celebrate our birth with “get togethers”, grilling, fireworks, and a day off from work. But do we really understand the nature of the holiday? Do we really think back on those in history who gave of their time, their reputation, and, in some cases, their lives, in order for us to be able to have a lifestyle that is unencumbered by another individual? Do we? Check out our poll above and see what some people think.
There is another level of independence and freedom to reflect on during the next couple of days. Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ gave up His time, His reputation, and His life, so that we would be free from the levy of sin. His death and resurrection paid the price (or discharged our obligation) for our sins. Our independence from an eternal death has been granted, all we have to do is confess with our mouth that we are a sinner and Jesus Christ is Lord, believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, and we will be saved (Romans 10:9). By acting on this, we now have a previously unattainable gift—eternal life with God. Once you have sincerely done this, it is time to celebrate. Tell someone of your new life in Jesus, they will realize something new and exciting has happened in your life. The Bible states in Luke 15 that there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents—when thousands of people accept Jesus as their Savior every day, that is a lot of celebrating in heaven! In Zephaniah 3, we find that God, Himself, takes great delight in us and even rejoices over us with singing. God sings over you in joy!! God, who created the entire universe, sings over you! Are you excited, yet?
Now, we have our independence; next, we receive our freedom. This isn’t the freedom to do whatever we want to, though; this freedom is designed for us to do what we should. Peter instructs us in I Peter 2:16 to use our freedom (through Christ) in service to God. Paul gives us further instruction in Galatians 5: 13, 14 to use this freedom in service to others. With these directives from God (our knowledge), we can comprehend (our understanding) the phrase, “Freedom is a choice, not a right”. Jesus chose to serve God through His death and resurrection, and He chose to serve others through His life. We have to choose to follow Jesus’ example each day. Only then are we truly free. By the way, knowledge + understanding = wisdom.
If you haven’t experienced independence and freedom at this level before, now is a perfect time to do so. All you have to do is confess with your mouth that you are a sinner and Jesus is Lord, and then believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Once this has taken place, make a daily effort to let Jesus be the Lord and Master of your life. A celebration is taking place in your honor in heaven right now (including the preparation for your eventual arrival and stay), so step out in your new found freedom—Happy Independence Day!
Have a safe and blessed Fourth of July,
--Eastpointer
