Celebrate Freedom

by Katie Harding on July 3, 2023

Battles of the past aren’t like battles of the present. Men would line up across from one another in an open field. Then with one command from their leader, they would charge forward, trying to get close enough to fire their muskets, which had an accuracy range of only 25-50 yards.

Tomorrow, we will celebrate the 247th birthday of the United States of America. There will be neighborhood cookouts, pool parties, family gatherings, and all-day picnics on the National Mall, culminating with fireworks as dusk settles in. Being married to a historian, we usually watch the John Adams series as the holiday approaches. It’s a way for our family to remember the many sacrifices made by men and women alike, to secure our country’s freedom.

Reflecting on their sacrifices, though, always reminds me of the great sacrifice Jesus made as He laid down His life to secure our freedom — to release each one of us from enslavement to sin. Like the patriots, He did so willingly. He died for the sins of the whole world — not just for those who agreed with Him, but also for those who disagreed. Those who loved Him AND those who hated Him. He didn’t have to. The choice was entirely His. “But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering…” (Isaiah 53:10a). His love was greater than any pain He would endure.

In the same way we remember our country’s freedom on July 4th with fireworks, Jesus gave His disciples instructions for remembering His sacrifice as well. “And having taken some bread, when He had given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me’” (Luke 22:19).

And they did. They didn’t do it once a month in the temple, but they remembered Him daily as they broke bread together in their homes. “Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people” (Acts 2:46-47a).

Yet, Jesus’ command to “do this” as they broke bread together wasn’t just about remembering His bodily sacrifice, it was also about giving thanks as they remembered – celebrating – what He did, what He said, and how much He loved them. Therefore, every time they gathered around the table, they broke bread “…with glad and generous hearts, praising God…”

So, let us celebrate tomorrow with family and friends not only our country’s freedom, but let us celebrate around our tables today and every day, the freedom we have in Christ Jesus our Lord.