4th July 2022

Independence Day – really?

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:36 (NIV)

It was the fourth of July and I was busy sending e-cards to my very dear friends across the pond, wishing them a happy time on their national holiday. That afternoon I watched the film Hamilton with my granddaughter who is studying drama – we both thoroughly enjoyed it. It is the story of Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States of America. 

The events of the day did make me think, however. Today humanity struggles and fights for freedom – or independence. We grapple with oppression, we resist inequality, we wrestle with injustice. This is not a new phenomenon; humanity has been striving to deal with the problems we have caused from day one. Anger and bloodshed are often the rule of the day.  

Elbert Hubbard, the American writer and artist, once said, ‘Freedom cannot be bestowed – it must be achieved.’ In one way I agree with him but in another I do not. My initial response is that we have not yet achieved freedom for the world, from the evils of this world. All our attempts at freedom fail. Ironically, we call men and women who shed blood ‘freedom fighters’. 

Conversely, freedom and independence did have to be achieved. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, paid for our freedom – He achieved it: ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.’ (Galatians 5:1)

According to the National Institute of Justice, almost 44 % of recently released prisoners return to prison before the end of their first year out. These prisoners lose their way. Christians have a ‘Way’: it is Jesus Christ (John 14:6). If we stay close to the Way, and depend on Him for guidance, He will not fail us. Humanity does not need ‘independence’. We must earnestly seek dependence on Jesus Christ; He has bought our freedom once and for all. 

The day will come when the world will be free and dependent on the Saviour of the world – that will be the greatest of holidays: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14).

Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for your precious only Son, Jesus, who has given us our freedom – may we look to Him always, in His name, Amen. 

Study by Irene Wilson

 

About the writer:
Irene Wilson is a Deaconess in the Watford congregation of Grace Communion International, and also serves on the Pastoral Council.

Local congregation:
Gracecom Watford
St. Peter’s Church
61 Westfield Avenue
Watford, Herts.
WD24 7HF

Meeting time:
Saturday 11am

Local congregational contact:
George Henderson
Email: watford@gracecom.church 

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church