Our Proof through the Night
As my family and I were hanging out at home that night, something really cool happened to me as we were listening to the fireworks go off. My wife and I were laying down on our bed with our son, who out of sheer exhaustion from the day, fell asleep in her arms. As we were lying there, I began pondering the significance of the 4th of July, and the freedom we enjoy because of the sacrifice of our forefathers. I wondered how many people might miss the point of what this day is really all about. After all, for many of us, this is a fun-filled day with family and friends, and a beautiful fireworks show that goes late into the night. With all of the festivities that go on throughout the day, it is very easy to enjoy the day without ever remembering the great cost that was paid in order for us to be able to enjoy this day. In fact, that's what I had done up until this very moment. I had enjoyed the day with my family, without reflecting much about the cost that was paid.
As I was pondering all of this, we could see the glare of the fireworks in our surrounding area reflect off of our bedroom wall, each time one exploded in the dark night. As I was watching the fireworks reflect off of our wall, and listening to them explode outside, I began thinking about a particular line in our National Anthem, which says, "the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there..."
As I was thinking about these lyrics, and knowing that this is why we celebrate the 4th of July, to remember that our flag of freedom is still here, I couldn't help but imagine what it would have been like to be alive during the Revolutionary war. I began imagining the exploding fireworks that we heard going off over Vancouver, and how they must have been quite similar to what the bombs bursting in air during the Revolutionary war sounded like. And like many who were hiding in their homes, with the lights off, to be protected by the cover of darkness, my wife and I were there listening to the explosions ring through the night. Talk about a surreal moment for me!
Upon my momentary visit back in time, I returned to the present and began thanking God for the freedoms we get to enjoy in our nation, especially our freedom to worship Jesus openly. What a privilege it is! I then began to thank the Lord for the spiritual freedoms we have because of our faith in Christ. After meditating upon what life must have been like, when those brave men fought for our freedom to become a nation, I began thinking about what life is supposed to be like for us now, because of our faith in Jesus' victorious battle for our freedom in the spiritual realm.
I have listed 5 powerful verses for us to meditate upon, and help remind us of the freedoms we have in Christ.
1. Our Faith in Jesus Sets us Free from Works:
Paul tells the Jews of his day, "Let it be known therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:38-39). Because of what Jesus did there is no need to try and earn God's favor. We receive His favor by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), which inspires us to do the good works (Ephesians 2:10).
2. Our Faith Set us Free from Sins Power:
"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life" (Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:1). Because of our faith in Jesus, we have been set free from the power of sin. Sin no longer has the power to dominate our lives, unless we allow it to become our master. However, because of our faith in Christ, we have been given the power to overcome sin, by being slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:18).
3. Abiding in God's Word Keeps us Free:
Jesus tells us, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will now the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). By reading, meditating upon, and responding in faith to God's word, we will know the truth of God's Word, and that truth will set us free (John 8:36), and cause us to be fruitful (Psalm 1:1-3).
4. Our Freedom in Christ is not a License to sin:
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13; cf. 1 Peter 2:16). Though we have been forgiven, and now have freedom in Christ, that freedom does not give us a license to sin. Instead, we can now freely love and serve others, without worry about earning God's favor, or being under God's wrath. We are saved, and we have been saved to love and serve God and others.
5. We can now Freely and Confidently Approach God:
"In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him" (Ephesians 3:12). What a blessing this verse is to us! Because of our faith in Jesus, we can freely and confidently approach God and know that He will not turn us away. In fact, the very reason Jesus came to rescue us (1 Timothy 2:5), was so that we could enjoy a relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
Because of what Jesus did on the most important independence day ever (Good Friday), when He freed us from the tyranny of Satan, our bondage to sin, and the punishment of death, we have been given a new life in Him through faith (John 11:25-26). In edition to being freed from Satan, sin, and death, we have been given a purpose to live for (Matthew 6:33), and we are now able to experience a personal and meaningful relationship with God (1 John 3:1).
Keep up the Good Fight!
Photo of Flag was taken on July 4th, in Stephenson, Washington.
