Monday, May 30, 2011

Sacrifice for Freedom

Galatians 5:1 - Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

This is Memorial Day. It is a day of remembrance to the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. That is patriotism. Did you know that the word patriotism comes from the Latin word pater, meaning father? I find that rather interesting; everything, the way I see it anyway, points to God, the Father.  

As a news journalist said, "...soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom."

This reminds me of Someone else who did the same thing 2,000 years ago. While we may not know all the names of every fallen soldier, we can know the name above all names who is Jesus, who died that we might be free and forgiven of sin, eternal death, sickness, disease, guilt, you name it. We are redeemed by His blood, the blood of the Lamb.

Redemption means: to buy back, to get or win back; to free from what distresses or harms, to free from captivity by payment of ransom, to release from blame or debt, to clear,  to free from the consequences of sin; to change for the better, reform (Webster's). On the home front or overseas, our soldiers have fought against possible harm or captivity by an enemy that we might hang on to the freedom we hold so dear. 

But Jesus takes it one step further by doing all of these things mentioned in the definition. And it's an even greater type of freedom. It's an eternal freedom. He died as a ransom for our sins. He died for all mankind, although not everyone will be saved. How sad. They will be held captive by their own design in their own sin and addictions on earth and then the worst captivity, in hell for their eternal lives.

It seems that much of the people on this earth enjoy their freedom. Others seem to like taking it away. It's a constant battle and why there are wars. And why there are fallen soldiers.

Just as we thank those who defend our country that we might have freedom, we should be thankful to the One who has paid His ultimate price that we would have our eternal freedom...in Christ.

As we pay our respects to our soldiers, let us look to Jesus as well. He deserves even more respect for what He has done for us.

Praise God for our current freedom and praise Him again for the freedom He has so selflessly given to us through His own death.

Pray for our soldiers on the fronts today for tomorrow's freedom. Pray also to Jesus for your eternal freedom. Call on the name of the Lord, then you will be saved...and free.

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (2Corinthians 3:17, John 8:36)

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