July 4, 2022 – Kahlil Gibran

Set Free

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36)

 “Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.” —Kahlil Gibran

Set Free

The 4^th of July celebration used to be about freedom. Now it is about a day away from work and reasons to find sales in American stores. I am certain people used to line the streets of their small towns to celebrate and truly appreciate the sacrifice it took to secure independence from England. In fact, one article I found described it this way:

It was not until 1826, after a second successful war against Britain and the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the new nation, that newspapers…encouraged plans for orations, military processions, private gatherings, public dinners, and picnics to celebrate American independence. As this day became popular as a community event, its rituals affirmed community ties as well as national identity and became linked to other community events such as ground breakings, building dedications, and rededications of historic sites.” (Encyclopedia.com)

Perhaps while you are munching on hotdogs and hamburgers this 4^th of July, you might consider the freedom Jesus was talking about – the freedom from sin found in his truth and his life. Allow this freedom to mark your life and set a course for sharing His life-freeing good news with others. Yes, we should celebrate the sacrifices our ancestors endured to set into writing the freedoms we all have today. But Jesus reminds us that true freedom is found in his love, mercy and grace.

Let us pray

Lord Christ, you have set us free from the power of sin and death. Help me to share your freedom with all I meet – through words and deeds.

Amen.