Celebrate Jesus’ Sacrifice

Freedom isn’t free. Here in the United States, we celebrate the independence of our country in just a few weeks. Many countries around the world have some sort of celebration or holiday where they honor those who helped forged their country; who sacrificed to build the nation they call home. We remember the lives that were lost fighting for that freedom. We remember the sacrifices we continue to make as a nation to maintain that freedom. Freedom never comes without sacrifice. It can be declared by signing a document but not truly won merely with words on paper. It can be announced by fireworks but their radiance won’t purchase our freedom. Freedom, lasting and authentic freedom, only comes with sacrifice.

Many men and women sacrificed their lives to buy our country’s freedom. Many men and women sacrifice their lives and liberties daily to try to gain emotional freedom for others: freedom from injustice, racism, unfairness, and inequality. Freedom always comes with a sacrifice. This is what we celebrate. As Christians, we should celebrate our spiritual freedom every day. We need to remember that freedom came at a heavy price as well. Jesus willingly paid that price. It was not easy. It was not given without thought. Jesus sacrificed his body to set us free.

Without Christ, we are far from free. We are controlled by our master, sin. In John 8:34-36, Jesus proclaimed, “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.” We are no longer slaves but sons and daughters. We are no longer controlled by our desires but freed by the word of God. We no longer have to fear death but instead, we can rejoice in our approaching eternal life. Freedom never comes without sacrifice. Celebrate the sacrifice willingly given to set you free.

(Written by Keegan Harkins.)