BEFORE THE FIREWORKS, REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE
On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men signed a document that changed the world, the Declaration of Independence. Did they have any idea that 250 years later, the nation they created would stand as the world’s greatest super-power, as we celebrate our semiquincentennial? (Try saying that really fast)
Of those fifty-six signers, five were captured by the British as traitors and tortured. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the War. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
(Source: Paul Harvey, 56 Gallant Men—The Rest of the Story)
Why would these men choose to subject themselves to such peril? Freedom. They paid the price so we could be free.
It’s easy to point out what’s wrong with America. But if you want to be encouraged by what’s good about our country, search for “Europeans expressing their love for America” on YouTube. The world cup has brought in 4.6 million visitors to the U.S., and they are blown away by our hospitality, prosperity, and freedom. It’s heartwarming. This is the heritage our founding fathers created.
Freedom is what God is all about. Galatians 6:1 declares, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” In 2 Corinthians 3:11 we read, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” As great as our national freedom is, in Christ we have eternal freedom that no one can take from us. Even if we lose everything else, that’s a promise we can cling to!
As Americans celebrate our semiquincentennial of independence, let’s pause and reflect on the great price our founding fathers paid for our freedom as a nation. But let’s also remember the cost God paid 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 I live my life to demonstrate my gratitude for the price paid for my freedom?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Romans 6:15-23.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the freedom I enjoy as an American. And as I consider the price you paid for my spiritual freedom, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. Help me never forget that you died so I can be free forever.
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Photo courtesy of OTD in History, August 2, 1776