We people do like the word independence. We like to do things on our own. We don't like people telling us what do to, where to go, and what to think. We want to do our own thing. We get rather defiant when other people try to steer us in another direction.
There are times when people should stand up to oppressive rulers and be able to live in freedom. It is still possible however to be physically free and yet still be in bondage to sin or thoughts of various kinds. True freedom comes from knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
It was Jesus who came into this world to set the captives free from the bondage of sin. It is this same Jesus who bore the sins of the whole world upon His own body upon that cruel old rugged Cross some two thousand years ago. Our relationship with Jesus is vitally important to each one of us.
I am reminded of I John 5:1-12 which says,
"1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.
2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.
3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,
4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
7 For there are three that testify:
8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
9 We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.
10 Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."
When everyone is out declaring independence, we who are believers and followers of Jesus Christ, need to remind ourselves of our total dependence upon Jesus Christ. We must remember all that Jesus has done for us, all that He is doing in our lives everyday, and we need to remember who we are in Jesus Christ. We are not of this world. We are pilgrims passing through on a journey to that celestial city where no tear will ever fall and nothing sinful will ever enter.
We can't gain entry into that place on our own. We can only get there by trusting in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the price for our sins by dying on the Cross in our place and everyone who puts their faith in His finished work on the Cross will be saved.
I am thankful that the Lord has blessed me by placing me in a country where we have freedom. I am thankful for Independence Day here in the United States and all that it represents. I am more thankful that God sent Jesus into this world to save a sinner such as I and just not myself, but everyone who comes boldly to His throne of Grace.
I declare my dependence upon Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior and I hope you will do the same.
Lord, Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being an Awesome loving God.
We praise Your Holy Name.
We declare our dependence upon You O Lord Jesus.
Lead us and guide our steps.
Empower us to live in total dependence upon You through Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus Name we pray,
Amen.
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