For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain.
America, America, God shed His grace on Thee!
As we think of the blessings of freedom, it is impossible to ignore the fact that the God of Heaven and earth has blessed this nation in a phenomenal way. Truly, freedom is a cherished possession and one for which people all over the world yearn. Yet, while people may long for it, many fail to recognize that the cost of freedom is great. We have much to be thankful when we reflect on the sacrifices that men and women have made in order that we can enjoy the blessings of the present. There was the struggle for independence, then the struggle to retain that status. There was the struggle between the states, and an even greater nation emerged for all. Twice our nation had to join in a world effort against the axis of evil and freedom and liberty were extended to others across the seas. We have a generation now with us who well know the cost of freedom and we salute them. They gave of their youth, of their very lives that we might fulfill the destiny that God has for this nation. Just as freedom in the physical realm is costly, so must we never forget the greatest sacrifice of all, that of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul tells us --
… “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”(Philippians 2:2- 6 NASB)
It was on that Cross that He purchased our spiritual freedom, gave us a destiny with Him and reconciled man back to God. How wonderful that He bore the cost of it all and He freely offers us on the basis of faith alone, an eternal relationship with Him. May we reciprocate that which was manifested to us, His love and grace, as we enjoy the blessings of life and liberty. The Apostle John reflected on that very thought when he wrote --
… “in this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him.”(I John 4:9)