Freedom ....

Happy Sunday, Beloved! It's Independence Day in these United States.  The Fourth of July.  It is a day set aside for barbecue, cold watermelon, yummy summer desserts,  the refreshing of cold water lakes, rivers and swimming pools.  But, really - what is this day all about? According to "Today in History" on this day, in 1776, "the Second Continental Congress UNANIMOUSLY adopted the Declaration of Independence  announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. [While] The Constitution provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States . . . the Declaration, with its eloquent assertion “all Men are created equal,” is equally beloved by the American people.  Honestly - I my deep dives into the Constitution have provided me with knowledge.  But reading and reading again the Declaration of Independence always gives me HOPE! 

Two things happened on this day in 1776.  First - a group of people - the "Patriots" told the King - we're free FROM you.  History tells us that the monarchy at the time was oppressive and totalitarian and people wanted freedom.  Mostly, we are told that they wanted freedom to worship (or not) as THEY chose.  And the Declaration of Independence, it's wording SO beautiful, states with confidence that ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL.  Re-reading today as I have many times, I am once again tearful at the proclamations contained in that Declaration.  I am once again filled with the hope that our founding fathers had and reminded again of the cost of freedom. 

The founding fathers wanted freedom FROM the King.  Beloved - you and I?  We have freedom BECAUSE of a King.  It is fitting that Independence Day today falls on a Sunday.  A day of worship in many countries.  We not only have freedom as citizens of the United States, but, for those of us who are citizens of Heaven? We have freedom because we KNOW what it is to have been set free indeed.  (John 8:36) But the cost, Beloved?  It was the same.  The blood of patriots and the blood of Jesus.  Poured out and willingly shed to pay the price of freedom.  Let us today remember that freedom isn't free.  Today isn't just a day to be with family and friends, enjoy fellowship and fireworks.  Let us indeed be reminded of what true freedom is .... and what it cost those who paid the price for it .... and let our voices ring with grateful hearts in thanks.  Thanks first to God for His indescribable gift of the freedom we have in Jesus and, not "second" but next, for those brave enough to stand on the promise that we ARE endowed by our Creator with freedom and give their lives to protect that freedom.  Let freedom ring and the celebration commence! #freeindeed 

WGL - A2

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