Image by dbking via Flickr
On Monday we celebrated the 4th of July for the two hundred and thirty-fifth time. This holiday is celebrated in towns and cities all across America with parades, picnics, barbecues, fireworks and concerts. It is on this date that the United States commemorates Independence Day. It is a federal holiday, celebrating the writing of the Declaration of Independence, declaring our desire for independence from Great Britain signed on July 4, 1776.
John Quincy Adams is quoted as saying, “You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you make good use of it.”
Have you ever taken your freedom for granted? The greatest sacrifice is one laying down his life for another. We should remember the importance of Independence Day as a struggling group of people were united into a nation as they declared their Independence from Great Britain.
Our freedom has been purchased by the blood that has been shed by the men and women who have defended our country, some paying the greatest price with their own lives.
Today’s military is manned by some of the most interesting people. They love the US so much that they will leave it and go to foreign lands to defend it. They revere freedom so much that they will give up their own freedoms and serve this nation in the military. And finally they love peace so much that they will go to war in order to have peace.
As citizens of the United States of America, we have a responsibility to be thankful to those who have served our great Nation.
However, we will never truly have freedom until we accept Jesus into our lives. Jesus declares freedom for mankind in the eighth chapter of the Gospel of John. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:31-32, 36. Little did those within hearing distance of Jesus realize that their freedom would cost Jesus His life.
The Apostle Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy and explained what Jesus did for mankind; “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all…” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
Just as the military man will lay down his life for the defense of freedom for our nation, about two thousand years ago, Jesus was the ultimate example when he willingly gave up his life for mankind.
As you remember and celebrate Independence Day, remember those who gave so that this nation is still free today. Also be thankful to God for sending His Son as a “ransom for all.”