Freedom’s sweet flavor blows within the breeze. Yet one hardly notices its power until the distinctive taste is suddenly gone.
Despite our many malefactions, idiosyncrasies, and divisive political concerns, I’m still overwhelmed with thankfulness to God for the many freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.
Independence isn’t cheap. Freedom is never free, as the well-worn song goes. Yet taking these gifts for granted is all-too-easy for us Americans.
When we taste sweetness every day, we’re eventually inoculated to its delight.
I’ve ministered in other countries that operate under a strict police-state system. Can you imagine registering with local law enforcement every time you traveled to a different city? I’ve preached in places where pastors are thrown in jail and churches are burned to the ground while the government turns a blind-eye. Have you seen the charred remains of Bibles and churches across many Asian and Middle Eastern nations? I’ve walked streets literally filled with poverty, disease, and fear. I’ve seen kids sleeping in their feces; the maimed and crippled abandoned on the sides of dusty roads.
Slavery’s smell blows in the breeze. Yet one slowly succumbs to its stench until the raunchy odor goes unnoticed.
Though I’ve deeply loved every moment God has given me for ministry in foreign lands, I’ve wept with joy every time I’ve returned to the land of the free. The air is sweet… and I can taste liberty hitting my palate yet again. Our gratitude for freedom ought to lead us to celebration…but also intercession.
My Prayer Today
I pray for wisdom to be a wise, hard-working, law-abiding, and loving citizen.
God gives clear guidance for us: “Remind them [Christ-followers] to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.” (Titus 3:1-2; see also: Romans 13:1-3, 5-7; 1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Peter 2:12-13, 17).
I pray for our governmental leaders to work humbly, thoughtfully, and courageously for the cause of good and the protection of innocent.
Our instructions are relevant across time: “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3; see also: Romans 13:3-4; 1 Peter 2:14).
I pray that all those placed in authority over us will receive the knowledge of the truth which comes through salvation in Christ Jesus.
God’s heart is evident: “…I urge that entreaties and prayers…be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all…” (1 Timothy 2:2-6a).
Most of all, I pray that God will bring an awakening of the Gospel from sea to shining sea, so that millions from my generation will know and experience the truth that sets people free.
Freedom is calling from the lips of Jesus: “…and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free . . . so if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:32, 36; see also: Galatians 5:1).
Ultimate Freedom
Our Founding Fathers sought and fought for freedom from the oppression of Great Britain. Our nation’s leaders and myriad soldiers have – throughout the years – sacrificed so that peace could be preserved and our freedoms protected. So we celebrate our independence today on this, the Fourth of July. All-the-while, we must recognize that these freedoms we presently enjoy are only temporary. Leaders come and go. Nations rise and fall.
Yet Jesus the Christ fought the fight we could not fight and won the battle we could not win by climbing a hill called Calvary so that we could receive ultimate freedom from the tyranny of sin and death. So today and everyday, we celebrate Him. And together with all God’s people from every language, tribe, and nation, we look forward with bold anticipation to the consummation of His coming eternal kingdom, which will cover the remade earth with His bright glory.
Our faith will be sight and sweet freedom in the glory of the Son will be our delight: “I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven one like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Happy Fourth of July | circa 2015
July 4, 2018
We must surrender our independence for Freedom and utter Dependence on God.
July 4, 2018
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Bill. Yes, indeed. The Christian life is not one of self-reliance but God-dependence.
July 4, 2018
AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND!!!
July 4, 2018
Amen, Steve! Thanks for taking the time to read my post and comment.
July 5, 2018
You are truly a blessing from God. Love Gram
July 5, 2018
Thanks so much for being a constant source of love and encouragement, Grandma. I love you, too.
July 15, 2018
Well said. One needs to experience a third world country to fully appreciate what we have. Our divisions will not be resolved by angry debate, but by living out the love of Jesus. A gentle answer…Proverbs 15:1
July 15, 2018
Thank you for the comment, Cheryl! Yes, responding in the love of Jesus Christ toward those with differing opinions can transform conflict into peace.