From my family to yours, I hope you have a truly blessed Fourth of July! When I saw the following video the other day I knew I had to share it with you. The images, music, and message are powerful reminders of what this day is all about. I hope you take a moment to watch and reflect on its content and to celebrate this day of freedom with your friends and family.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. … So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-32, 36)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
As a nation, today is a day we set aside as a time to reflect on the birth of this great country. I encourage you to reflect on the larger, and more important freedom Jesus purchased through the sacrifice of His own blood upon a cross. As followers of God in Christ, this time of year can have a whole different meaning. Jesus’ sacrificial death purchased for us a freedom that goes far beyond what stands before us, but from the cross all the way to heaven itself. In the moment of His death and rising again from the grave, He flings wide a heavenly door to those who believe and call upon His name (John 3:16). And in this moment He extends to us true freedom. The freedom we hold so dear comes at a cost, and its payment was made in blood. All God; all for us!
So as you are enjoying some great food, time with family, and maybe even some sparklers, take a moment to think of the men and women who have gone before us to pave the way for the freedoms we hold so dear as a nation. But I also encourage you to think on the greater freedom we celebrate through God in Christ, freely given to us as a gift, through whom we “may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Ephesians 3:12)
Happy “Freedom” Day!
Purchased, won, and free!
N
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