by Alicia Jones - May 22, 2019
Let Freedom Ring
Memorial Day is a wonderful holiday dedicated to remembering all those who died while serving in the armed forces of the United States. While most know it as a long weekend dedicated to family fun and picnics, it means so much more. It’s a time to honor and remember a great sacrifice. My father, grandfather, and great grandfather are all army veterans. Although none of them died in service and so we do not remember them on Memorial Day, I have great respect for those who gave their lives in military service for others and made the ultimate sacrifice to eventually lay that life down.
Freedom has never been free. We thank our armed forces for all they do every day to protect us and our freedoms. In the same way, our ultimate freedom was also paid for by a life. Jesus came to earth for one great purpose: to give his life as a ransom for many. He made the ultimate sacrifice in a great battle of perfect holiness against total depravity to rescue sinners. By giving his life, he not only won that battle and gave life to all those who receive him, but he also gave us freedom. I used to think that Jesus died just to save us from hell. In reality, he died to give us so much more. He gives freedom to everyone that asks him. And I don’t just mean freedom from eternal punishment. By giving us a love relationship with himself, he gave us freedom from the power of sin and made us victorious. Victory. Freedom. Liberty. Sacrifice. Those are the exact same things we remember and honor during Memorial Day. Those are the exact same thing we can remember and honor and celebrate every single day of our lives as beloved children of God. In my own life, Jesus has given and is still giving me freedom from so many things. I have found freedom from the chains that used to bind me in self-condemnation. I may still struggle, but I am no longer bound.
In Christ, I am claiming and finding freedom from fear, from the need to prove myself and my worthiness to God, from self-imposed chains of legalism. Jesus wants us to live in the perfect law of liberty. If you are bound by the chains of fear, anger, hate, envy, laziness, legality, addiction, or anything else that is binding, he can and will strike away those chains. He can not only save you from eternal death but give you eternal life here and now by granting you a love relationship with himself. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, …and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. John 8:36 says, So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. He is there, waiting to give you freedom. This weekend, as we remember those who have given their lives for freedom, let us all remember how Jesus gave his life for our liberty.
Alicia A. Willis is a Christian Historical Fiction author, mother of two sweet babies (one in heaven and one on earth), ministry wife, and coffee connoisseur. When not doing research for her novels or teaching piano, she enjoys water colors, playing with her dogs, singing, and adventures with her hubby. Join her on social media or check out her website to learn more about her books and the ministry the Lord has called them to. http://www.aliciaannewillis.com/