We are one year away from observing the 250th anniversary of the Birth of our Nation, which resulted in the War of Independence from England. Our Founders composed the Declaration of Independence to express the hopes and ideals for a new nation, free to form its own constitution to guide this great Nation. And so we believe this Country to be “One Nation, under God, indivisible, with justice and liberty for all”. July 4th celebrations are meant to keep these key ideas in mind, the foundation for our Independence Day.
The desire for independence was not something new to the Founders of this great Nation. We can trace this movement for freedom and independence back as far as the Old Testament, with the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, struggling to be free of slavery and oppression from the Egyptian rulers. The entire Exodus Story is included in the Passover celebration which was central to the Old Testament religious practices. This Story reveals the Hand of God in delivering the Israelites and guiding them to the Promised Land. Thus we can trace our Independence Day celebration back to the deepest desires of the human race to be free of oppression and free to follow their own dreams for themselves and their loved ones.
Let us not forget that Jesus lived at a time of great conflict between nations. Yes, the Israelites were again being oppressed by the Roman Empire, and they had limited freedom to exercise their religious beliefs. That is why they believed the long-awaited “Messiah” would free them from foreign rule. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to set people free so they could live as “Children of God”, and not necessarily to be free of all oppression. He teaches us that we must be free of sin before we can achieve true freedom. He held out the Cross as the instrument of our freedom and as the means of our Salvation.
The celebration of Independence Day should consist of more than picnics and filling the heavens with fireworks. It should remind us of the need we have to turn to Christ as One who who alone can lead us to true freedom. He has conquered the world by His love and holds out to you and me the opportunity to really be free of this world that holds in bondage and keeps us from reaching our full potential.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
