Those words from Leviticus 25 are inscribed on a bell we have come to know as the Liberty Bell, originally cast in the Whitechapel Foundry in East London, England, and now housed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Today we celebrate liberty. We celebrate our nation's independence. July 4, 1776 was the date of the signing of our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, and we celebrate every year on this day.
But our independence, our freedom, is about more than a one-day-a-year celebration. It's about more than picnics and parades. It's about more than fireworks and flag-waving and funnel cakes. No matter how you choose to celebrate today, keep in mind the reason for the celebration!
We celebrate today because a group of men gathered together on this date in 1776 to sign a document proclaiming our independence from Great Britain. We celebrate because there were men willing to risk all they had to fight for that independence. We celebrate because, in that year and in all the years since, men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States of America have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedom. We celebrate because we are a free people, with rights and privileges only dreamed of by many around the world.
Our freedom as Americans is something to celebrate every day of the year, not just on one day in the middle of summer. It's something to be cherished and protected. It's something we must never take for granted, but continually be thankful for.
Our freedom as Americans is a precious thing that must be guarded and defended. Just the verse on the Liberty Bell reminds us, we must "proclaim liberty throughout the land"! And if that is true of our freedom as Americans, how much more is all that true of our freedom in Christ!
Freedom in Christ isn't something just to be celebrated once a week on Sundays, but to be celebrated and cherished and treasured and proclaimed every day! Because "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36 ESV)
"For freedom Christ has set us free." (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
"For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2 ESV)
[Jesus said] "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32 ESV)
Free indeed! Free in Christ Jesus! Our freedom in Christ is not dependent on political parties or political correctness or political whim. That freedom is all and only in and through Christ Jesus!
Free indeed!
Proclaim that freedom "throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof"!
"Let Freedom Ring" - The Gaither Vocal Band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVVbSXz7jaU
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