The Price of Freedom
As we celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends, we are reminded of the price paid for our freedom. Even now, during the current war in Iraq, we are keenly aware of the tremendous sacrifice that our soldiers and their families make on a daily basis. Freedom is costly. Whether from oppression, abuse, inequality, injustice, hunger or mere survival, the cry for freedom has always been born out of the hearts of those who were willing to give it their all and their life for the cause of freedom. It was this kind of passion that was heard from the lips of Patrick Henry, when this country was started, "I know not what course others may take but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
Two thousand years ago, there was a greater cry for freedom and it came from the lips of Jesus Christ, as he hung on a Roman cross, crucified between two thieves. His cry was, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Spiritual freedom, eternal freedom was purchased not for a select few, or a nation, but for all of humanity. The price was paid in full through the precious blood of the divine Son of God.
Freedom has a price. It is costly. The question becomes what are you and I doing with our freedom? Has the blood that has been shed for our freedom become blood spilled in vain? Those who have gone before us really do have the right to ask. What have you done with your freedom? Freedom that is not valued, cherished and preserved is freedom that is eventually lost. We do risk becoming slaves again. If our nation does not preserve the freedoms that our forefathers shed their blood for, we become a nation without a compass. Without a sense of history and an appreciation of it, history does repeat itself.
On a spiritual level, the Apostle Paul says it very clearly, "It was for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 says, “How are you preserving or maintaining your freedom spiritually?” Was Christ's blood shed for you in vain? A tremendous sacrifice was made for you and me to walk in freedom. How could we or why would we dare want to go back into any kind of bondage or slavery? Yet, my friend, when you and I devalue our lives, we are insulting the grace and mercy of God offered in the cross. When we believe that we aren't of any significance and don't matter, then why did He bother to shed His blood for us? When we say that our past or sins are too great, we have now taken God's place and are in essence declaring that the cross isn't good enough or sufficient enough. Paul boldly declares to us to preserve our freedom. Stand firm in it. Don't let anyone or even yourself take it away from you!
This July 4th, we have much to celebrate and be grateful for not only as a nation but as the people of God. A tremendous price has been paid for us to enjoy the liberty and freedoms that we enjoy in our country. Even more awesome is the freedom that is ours as a child of God! Stand fast in it, preserve it, cherish it and you will know the freedom that you were meant to walk and live in.
Two thousand years ago, there was a greater cry for freedom and it came from the lips of Jesus Christ, as he hung on a Roman cross, crucified between two thieves. His cry was, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Spiritual freedom, eternal freedom was purchased not for a select few, or a nation, but for all of humanity. The price was paid in full through the precious blood of the divine Son of God.
Freedom has a price. It is costly. The question becomes what are you and I doing with our freedom? Has the blood that has been shed for our freedom become blood spilled in vain? Those who have gone before us really do have the right to ask. What have you done with your freedom? Freedom that is not valued, cherished and preserved is freedom that is eventually lost. We do risk becoming slaves again. If our nation does not preserve the freedoms that our forefathers shed their blood for, we become a nation without a compass. Without a sense of history and an appreciation of it, history does repeat itself.
On a spiritual level, the Apostle Paul says it very clearly, "It was for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 says, “How are you preserving or maintaining your freedom spiritually?” Was Christ's blood shed for you in vain? A tremendous sacrifice was made for you and me to walk in freedom. How could we or why would we dare want to go back into any kind of bondage or slavery? Yet, my friend, when you and I devalue our lives, we are insulting the grace and mercy of God offered in the cross. When we believe that we aren't of any significance and don't matter, then why did He bother to shed His blood for us? When we say that our past or sins are too great, we have now taken God's place and are in essence declaring that the cross isn't good enough or sufficient enough. Paul boldly declares to us to preserve our freedom. Stand firm in it. Don't let anyone or even yourself take it away from you!
This July 4th, we have much to celebrate and be grateful for not only as a nation but as the people of God. A tremendous price has been paid for us to enjoy the liberty and freedoms that we enjoy in our country. Even more awesome is the freedom that is ours as a child of God! Stand fast in it, preserve it, cherish it and you will know the freedom that you were meant to walk and live in.
posted by Coach Janet | 9:12 PM
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