20 Jan 2008 "Freedom isn't free"

John 8:36
36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

There are times in history where we need to look at where we have come from and where we are going. It is a time to reflect. Today is one of those days. It is January 20th, 2008. It is inauguration day for America. Today the President George W Bush will relinquish his presidency to President elect Barack Obama. During events like this we look at the surface and see things like a Republican is leaving and a Democrat is coming into office. We see that the first African American is going to be president. And for any service member we see a change in Commander in Chief.

On September 11, 2001, we as Americans and the free world were attacked. Our lively hood was attacked. Thousands of civilians lost their lives that day. For what cause? Was it because people felt oppressed and wanted freedom? No. In fact it was because the people who attacked us hated our freedom. They didn’t want us to have the freedoms that we so enjoy. Now 7 and a half years later we take time to reflect. Over the last 8 years many of my comrades have fallen by the wayside. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The awesome thing about being free is the need to see others free as well. These service members gave their lives so that others could be free.

I am currently completing my 2nd tour to Iraq. As I reflect back on my tours here I remember the first time that the Iraqis got to vote. I remember the excitement and anticipation as they came by and showed me their finger that they had used to make their mark. I also remember them facing animosity and fear as they marched to the polls and voted amidst bombs going off. It was a day of joy for them. In a few weeks they will hold elections again and there is a sense that this is going to be another great election as their service members now are taking the lead and protecting their citizens.

This reminds me of another time in our history. It was a time when America was learning what freedom really meant. It was a time when segregation was at its peak and there were people in America who did not feel free. Although many people want to forget the marches and segregation, we must remember where we came from. Freedom didn’t come without a cost. We have lost lives for the freedom of America. We have lost lives so that others may be free.

Freedom comes with such a cost. Normally, for someone to be free something has to change. In most cases something has to be paid for someone to be free. We as believers have had our sin debt paid on the cross of Calvary so that we may be free. Because of our sin nature we were slaves to sin and death. Christ’s Death on the cross paid that debt and now we have the freedom to walk in his Light and to one day be with Him in eternity. Just as there are some people in Iraq who don’t want that freedom, there are people in this world who do not want the freedom that knowing Christ brings. The question I have for you today is Do you want that freedom?

Christ came to this earth for one reason only, to die for us. He came to pay the price of sin. He came so that mankind can have the freedom that we truly desire.

Why Don’t you choose to be Free today?