Celebrating Freedom

Celebrating Independence Day for my family meant once again going to our town’s fireworks display. With blankets and chairs in hand, our family joined hundreds of others from across our town on the high school field to watch the night sky fill with bursts of color and light. For about thirty minutes we oohed and aahed over the rings and showers of light that seemed to almost rain down upon us.  In fact, this year’s display was really quite awesome. 

Throughout this past week, towns and cities all around the country had their own fireworks displays. In some places, thousands gathered to see a display that lasted thirty to forty minutes. Here in the New York City Metro area, people lined both sides of the Hudson River, some waiting for hours for the fireworks to begin.  Why? Aside from the fact that fireworks are an incredible spectacle, they are meant to help us celebrate the fact that we live in a country wherein we are free to live and worship as we so desire; we are celebrating the fact that we live in the “land of the free.”   

Of course freedom is a great thing. And, I am truly grateful for the freedom we enjoy every day here in this great nation.  But, I am reminded today that there is a freedom that is much greater and much more valuable than any political or national freedom we may have. It is a freedom that goes beyond what is happening in our world or in our nation.  It is a freedom that no government or political power can ever take away. That freedom is the freedom that comes to us through Jesus Christ: freedom from the power of sin.

 Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 – NIV)  The Apostle Paul wrote, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1 – NIV)   John wrote of “…him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood….” (Revelation 1:5 – NIV)

What an incredible thing it is to be free, especially free from sin!  Maybe we ought to set off a firework or two to celebrate!  Well, let’s at least remember to give thanks to God for all He has done for us through His Son, Jesus.   Let’s celebrate freedom!

Have a great day! And, Happy Independence Day!

Pastor Tim Harris