250 Years

This July 4th, and throughout the year, our nation celebrates 250 years of independence and freedom. Even though we are not a perfect nation, we have a great reason to celebrate. God has bestowed upon us, and the world, great blessings. America and our freedoms that we hold to be true are quite unique in the pages of history. How God has abundantly blessed us, who we are as a free people, and the many blessings we have been able to enjoy ought to be celebrated, shared, and taught. It is something that ought to be proclaimed far and wide. Our forefathers were not shy in doing this very thing.

In fact, if you are familiar with the history of the Liberty Bell, you know that there is a Bible verse inscribed on it. It is Leviticus 25:10, “...Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof...” That verse in its original context refers to the year of Jubilee where every 50 years those who were in debt or had been sold into slavery were to be set free and their debts canceled. It was a joy filled time of celebration for ancient Israel.

As Christians who know Jesus, we have found an even greater freedom to celebrate. In John 8:36 Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” In the context of John 8 Jesus is speaking of being set free from sin.

Being set free from sin is very important for sin enslaves us. “Everyone who commits a sin is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34), Jesus said. But Jesus came to set us free. Jesus came to bring to us liberty. Our Lord went to the cross and offered His life for our enslavement to sin. He broke the shackles of death by His resurrection. Christ enters into our lives to set us free. When our faith is in Him, we are set free from our enslavement to our sinful nature and our weak efforts to keep the law. As Christians we can now walk in the freedom of Christ. We are now free to strive to live lives to please God. We do so not out of fear of a tyrant, but out of joy to the One who has set us free. We are now free to say no to sin and yes to righteousness. We are now free to follow and serve the Lord out of joy and gladness with a free and willing spirit. We are now free even from the bonds of death for we know that in the resurrection of Christ death no longer will be able to hold us down. We too will rise and spend eternity in true freedom where we will be free from all worries, sickness, disease, depression, addiction, fears, distress, and every sin. We will be free from the devil, the sinful world, and our old sinful nature. We will be free in Christ Jesus for all eternity. Such a true and lasting freedom comes to all who trust in Jesus. This is something that we ought to celebrate. This is something that we ought to share with others and teach to those who come after us. This freedom is unique and greater than anything the world offers. It will endure not only for 250 years but it will endure for eternity.

Rejoice Oh Christian, for in our country we are doubly blessed. We are blessed in our nation on account of the freedoms we have been able to experience over the years. May they be preserved in the years to come. Secondly, we are blessed in Christ Jesus and the freedom He brings to us from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Indeed, “Proclaim Liberty through all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” (Leviticus 25:10)

Pastor Schoenfeld