fbpx

“Let Freedom Ring” by Melissa Mitchell

by | Jul 2, 2019

Freedom can mean different things to different people.  For children, freedom may mean the end of school and the beginning of summer vacation.  For a teenager – getting one’s license may signal freedom.  For a young adult perhaps moving out of their parents home. (I’m not quite sure what freedom means to an adult, it seems like we have a lot tying us down…  maybe retirement?!)

This time of year thoughts of freedom usually center around our nation’s birthday and our fight for freedom from England.  

But even that can be complicated.  When the US won the War of Independence, it really only meant freedom for white men.  And still today in 2019, almost 250 years later, people still strive for freedom both within our country and at the borders, people longing to be welcomed in, to be free.

For believers and nonbelievers freedom is what Jesus came to bring.  At the time the Jewish people were longing for freedom from the oppressive Roman rulers but that was not the type of bondage Jesus came to bring, He came to break us free from the tyranny of sin.  

31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”  34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.   John 8:31-36

We can be free in the fullest sense – free from the daily sin that ensnares us and free from the fear and power of death.  

As we celebrate our nation’s birthday this week and those that fought to keep us free, let us also remember those that still long for freedom and let us especially give thanks to Jesus for the freedom that only He can bring.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1

Recent Posts.

Through the Ages

Through the Ages

As Christians, it is not unusual for some of our beliefs to be challenged or even attacked by the world. While it may feel this is a contemporary issue, thousands of Christians have been defending their faith for two millennia. Their stories can give us comfort and...

read more
Planted and Raised

Planted and Raised

“When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first. And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting. Then God gives it the new body he wants it to have.” I...

read more
Caring for a Hurting Friend

Caring for a Hurting Friend

There’s a special sort of awkwardness that comes from not knowing how to be there for a friend in need. Whether the need is brought about by the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or by other circumstances like illness, surgery, or other personal reasons,...

read more