Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don’t ever become slaves of the Law again.
Galatians 5:1 (CEV)
The July 4th weekend is longer this year since it falls on a Tuesday. Talk show hosts and even our sermon have shared tidbits and snippets of history from that long ago weekend of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
John Adams wrote a letter to his wife on July 3rd and penned many thoughts on the process of developing this historic document. The last couple of paragraphs reminded of the significance of this date:
I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.
The sacrifice and dedication of the signers is summed up in his cautionary tone – You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.
I am tired of division, hypocrisy, finger-pointing, and failure to get anything done by the Washington elected officials — both parties. This country has been blessed by God with so much wealth and happiness but we seem to be throwing it all away in an effort to be right. Our forefathers spilled blood and treasure to ensure our freedom. What will our grandchildren’s children say of our generation?
We live in a different world than the signers, yet, we must celebrate this historic day. Why? Because freedom is God’s gift to us — one not to be taken lightly. We must continue with that sacred trust to preserve and protect this land.
So, pull out that red, white, and blue shirt to wear tomorrow. Enjoy a meal with family and friends. Watch the fireworks light up the sky and know that we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
God Bless America.