Independence Day is right around the corner. The fireworks booths in our area have been open for a few days and already the nights are filled with the sounds of fireworks (both the legal and illegal types). I cannot say I am a big fan of, nor celebrator of our modern-day 4th of July events.
At the same time, I cherish American Independence Day. I was raised in Pennsylvania, so the American Revolution was taught and revered. Pennsylvania was one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
One of the greatest experiences of my life was to visit the National Archives and see the Declaration of Independence, written and approved in Philadelphia. Nine Pennsylvanians signed the Declaration, including the most notable, Benjamin Franklin.
As flawed as some of the men who signed that document were, they risked everything — “we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor” — for the principle of representative democracy.
By their signatures on that document, they declared open rebellion against one of the world’s then-great military and political powers, Great Britain. They had everything to lose. And they had everything to gain. The result was the creation of a great influence for good in world history, the United States of America.
Still, as I contemplate the upcoming Independence Day, it pales in comparison to the true freedom we have in Christ Jesus. The freedom we have in Christ Jesus transcends American independence. It is far, far beyond any national or political freedom we claim as Americans. (More thoughts on Christ-given freedom this week.)
Luke 4:18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [HCSB]
