Happy Birthday America!! It’s the 4th of July, the day we as a nation come together to celebrate the birth of American independence, the many freedoms we enjoy as a nation for the past 249 years. Most of us will mark the holiday today with a summertime barbecue, a gathering of family or friends, perhaps a parade or patriotic concert and of course, a nighttime sky bursting with fireworks.
But as happy and enjoyable as this holiday is for us today, the reason we can celebrate the 4th of July is because 250 years ago others were willing to pay a price, battle in the Revolutionary War. That revolt cost the 13 Colonies’ young patriots greatly. Historian Howard H. Peckham’s data is regarded as the most accurate accounting of the death toll. 8,624 American fighters were killed in battle, another estimated 10,000 died in camp, and 8,500 perished while held in captivity.
The fact is, I have freedom and a holiday to celebrate, because long ago others’ lives paid for that gift. I never knew those patriots personally, but I enjoy every day the freedoms that cost them everything. It can be easy to take freedom for granted.
In Revelation 5:9-10, 12, they sing a new song:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to break its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.”“Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
Jesus paid the price for my freedom. The Lamb of God had to be slaughtered to “break the seals,” to take away the sin of the world. It took the precious blood of Christ to ransom you and me from slavery to sin, from guilt, shame, condemnation and death. Because he paid the ultimate price, I’ve been gifted with salvation and freedom in Christ for this life and for the life to come.
Ephesians 2:8 reads
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
May we celebrate freedom for our nation today but may we never forget that freedom isn’t free. It came at a cost in 1775. The salvation gift God gave us, cost God greatly!
May we be happy and grateful this Independence Day.
Donielle Winter
EFCC Member