What a powerful conclusion to the anthem America. That God given motivation to be free from oppressive domination, and that desire to live one’s life within the context of just law without persecution, is indeed a wonderful gift from God. It does not matter when in history or where people are living; there is that divinely implanted knowledge that freedom is ordained for mankind. As we look at the Divine institutions established by God for the well being of humanity, it is no surprise that freedom of choice ranks first among the other institutions of marriage, family, and nationalism (government). We give our appreciation and thanks to the Heavenly Father for the men, women and children who came from all over the world to our land in order that they may taste of freedom. With national freedom also comes the opportunity for religious freedom; freedom to worship as we choose, freedom to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The good news is abundant in this land --
…“Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day according to the Scripture.”(I Cor 15:3- 4)
Faith in the fact of the Savior’s finished work brings spiritual freedom to every soul that receives Christ. Instead of alienation from God, there is relationship through faith in Christ. There is the opportunity to live one’s life as unto the Lord and demonstrate His grace before others. There is the freedom to learn of Him and serve Him in response to the leading of the Spirit. Jesus said --
… “ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free.”(John 8:32).
So that there would be no misunderstanding, Jesus then stated who is Truth, He Himself is.
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”(John 8:36)
It is sad to think of how close Pilate was to Truth and yet he was so far away. After interrogating the Lord, he concluded --
… “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.”(John 18:37-38 NIV)
Truth stood before him, for Jesus is Truth, but Pilate would not take a stand for Truth. But others did respond to the One who is Truth and found strength, comfort, and encouragement to face the future. To the discouraged disciples, Jesus spoke these words on the eve of His arrest --
…"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going."
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
(John 14:1 - 6 NIV)
We are so blessed to live in a land of freedom and to know the Lord Jesus Christ as our God. It cost the Son of God Calvary’s Cross that we might be spiritually free. It is a message that thousands have delivered at the cost of their own lives. It cost the lives of thousands to have the national freedom we enjoy today. What a privilege we have to carry a two fold message to the world, that of personal freedom and spiritual freedom.