THE COST OF FREEDOM
On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men signed a document that changed the world, the Declaration of Independence. Afterwards, they sat in silence, absorbing the solemnity of their decision—an act of treason against the most powerful monarch on earth. They believed in a cause so great, they were willing to lay their lives down for it.
Of those fifty-six signers, five were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the War, another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or the hardships of the Revolutionary War.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, sold his properties to pay his war debts, and died in rags.
Francis Lewis lost his home and properties. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for safety.
(Source: Paul Harvey, 56 Gallant Men—The Rest of the Story)
What cause was so great for these men to subject themselves to such peril? One word: Freedom. They died so we could be free. On this day, perhaps we need to consider the price others paid for our freedom.
But God paid an even greater price for our eternal freedom. He gave up his Son, Jesus, who left heaven and came to earth. Born as a baby, God lived among us for thirty-three years. He was betrayed, abandoned, tortured, and died the cruelest and most humiliating death in the ancient world. In return, he asks that we lay our lives down for him.
As Americans celebrate 249 years of independence, let’s pause and reflect on the great price others paid so we can be free. But let’s also remember the great cost to God so we could experience eternal freedom.
Ponder:
What thoughts come up as you consider the cost paid for our freedom, both politically and spiritually?
How can you live so as to demonstrate your gratitude for the price paid for your freedom?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Romans 6.
Lord Jesus, as I consider the price you paid for my freedom, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. Help me never forget that you died so I can be free.