Every year on the Fourth of July, we celebrate our nation’s independence and, of course, we celebrate freedom. Even though we are going through a difficult time as a nation right now, we still have a lot to be thankful for in this country.
One of our favorite symbols of freedom and opportunity is the Statue of Liberty. There is a famous poem at the base of the statue written by Emma Lazarus in 1883. Here are the last lines of it.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The U.S. is a place where we can enjoy freedom. But America can never give us freedom from sin. That is why we have the problems we see today. Only Jesus can make us free from sin. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you tired and carrying heavy burdens. I will give you rest. Carry My burden and learn from Me. I am gentle and humble. You will have rest for your souls. My work is easy and My burden is not heavy.”
Are you feeling burdened because of sin and guilt? Go to Jesus. He takes away your burden and He gives you freedom. He gives you rest for your soul.
This Fourth of July, throw some hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, enjoy the weather and the fireworks (if your community has them!), and thank God for the freedom we have in this country. But even more than that, thank God for making us free from sin, and free to belong to Him as His people.
