Celebrating Freedom

“Christ has liberated us into freedom.” Galatians 5:1

I (Nathan) have always looked forward to spending time with family members at our annual Schneider family reunion. There was time for catching up with my cousins, time for playing games, setting off fireworks, and, of course, lots of great food to enjoy. However, the highlight was and is spending time with my grandpa and his brothers, listening to them share stories of their war days. I’ve heard plenty of stories from their times in WWII and the Korean War, each bringing about a patriotic emotions. I’m proud to be an American and enjoy hearing from those who helped to make our nation great. Today, I still look forward to those kind of stories, especially from my brother who currently serves in Bahrain.

I can’t help but think that this is what it must have been like for the generations that followed many of our biblical heroes. Imagine the questions the descendents of Noah and his family must have had, or imagine the interest from the grandchildren of those liberated from Egypt. “What was it like grandpa?” “Did you fight along-side Joshua?” “Did you know that God would deliver you?” God knew that the generations to come would be interested in the stories of their forefathers, so He made sure to instruct them to be ready. Here is an example from Joshua 4:20-24:

Then Joshua set up in Gilgal the 12 stones they had taken from the Jordan,  and he said to the Israelites, “When your children ask their fathers in the future, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ you should tell your children, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground. ‘ For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over.  This is so that all the people of the earth may know that the LORD’s hand is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.”

I still love to hear stories from those who sacrificed so much in order to grant us freedom. It’s a joy for me every time I get to talk with my brother and ask him questions about what’s happening overseas. However, this is not the only thing that makes me excited. It’s just as special for me to hear from someone who has experienced the power of God. Knowing that God is at work in someone else’s life affirms my own faith and encourages me in my walk with the Lord. I look forward to hearing about faith moments more than anything. This must of been why Paul wrote to the Roman church, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world.”

You have a great opportunity today to show your children the love you have for God. What an impact it would have on your children to have them hear you tell the story of your salvation moment. So, enjoy today and spend time with your children talking about and celebrating America’s independence (I know I’ll be watching the history channel with my family)! However, don’t forget to talk about the freedom experienced in Christ. If you’re planning on doing a family devotional time today, use the account of the Israelites being liberated from Egypt (if you have boys, you can talk about all the battles God helped the Israelites win). Finally, tell the story of your freedom in Christ! Share with them how Christ has changed your life by delivering you from the bondage of sin and setting you free. Happy 4th of July!