Freedom’s Cost
Freedom’s Cost
In 2 Corinthians 3:17, we read “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” The United States celebrated its 250th anniversary today. Despite many differences people have, we as citizens of the United States know the sacrifice our veterans have paid to give us that freedom. But do we understand what Jesus has done for us to give us true freedom?
Jesus gave the final sacrifice taking our sins upon himself, so we could be reconciled to God the Father (read Isaiah 53, detailing what Jesus suffered for us). But if we don’t accept that sacrifice, then we cannot understand the deep love of God for our lives. I remember 1976, the 200th anniversary of our country. It was the first time high school seniors could graduate mid-year. I was one of those people who took this advantage. I signed up and joined the Army in December of 1976 and went into active duty in January 1977. I would serve until 1992. During this time, I felt proud of my country and served willingly. But it was also a time for me to come to grips with where I was spiritually. While stationed in Stuttgart Germany in 1979, I had a deep conversion to our Lord Jesus. It was the beginning of understanding the deep love God had for me and for all of humanity.
After that time, I left active duty and joined the reserves to serve for 12 more years. I grew to understand the sacrifice Jesus made for me personally, but also for every human who would ever exist. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes might not perish, but might have eternal life.” That is a promise to every human who will accept what Jesus did on the cross and turn to him seeking his mercy and forgiveness. I began to experience a new life, one where God was in control and the power flowing from his resurrection.
I have often reflected if every human who accepted Jesus lived out their faith, would they experience the same power Jesus displayed when he walked upon this earth. I have prayed with many people through the years and seen healing take place, both spiritually and physically. Not because of anything I have done, but because of the one who took our sins and suffering upon himself at the cross. My gratitude to our Lord takes meaning because of what he did and what he accomplishes when I surrender myself to him.
God will never be done with any of us. In 1 John 1:8-9, we read, “If we say, ‘We are without sin,’ we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.” Then in Philippians 1:6 we read, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”. God has a plan for each of us and if we turn to him, confessing our sins, he will accomplish this work in us setting us free. If we then allow God through the Holy Spirit to live in and through us, we will live in this freedom as sons and daughters of God (John 1:12).
My continued prayer for each of you, just as we as citizens of the United States celebrate the sacrifices of our veterans and first responders, and the many who died to give us the freedoms we celebrate in our country, you may find true freedom though Christ Jesus and the sacrifice he died to bring to you. May this reality become real for you and may you be free to be the person God created you to become.