Independence Day

July 4th always brings back a lot of memories for me. My dad was pretty instrumental in this. I remember him taking my sister and me to get fireworks in Indiana.  We were so excited, and we would then begin our countdown until we would get to blow them off!

I still love Independence Day (especially the fireworks!), but I’d like to put a new spin on this holiday.  In John 17:3, Jesus gives us a description of “Eternal Life”. He says (paraphrased) that it’s about coming to know God and coming to know Jesus in an intimate way. Whenever I’ve heard folks talk about Eternal Life, they always refer to it occurring in the future, like it’s something we’ll “attain to” someday (as in, after we die). We can look forward to it, but it’s not something that is in our reach now. That’s not how Jesus describes it.

Jesus tells us that Eternal Life begins at the very moment we get Born Again and enter into a relationship with God. To me, that is our “Independence Day”. It is the day we entered into freedom; freedom from our old wicked taskmaster, the devil. It is the day that the knowledge of the Truth set us free.  It is the day that the chains were broken off our life, the day sin was conquered, and the day death was defeated and the burdens we carried were lifted from us. It is the day that death itself is swallowed up in life, and we become a member of a new Family, in good standing with the Father.  THIS is when Eternal life starts.

Though the chains have been loosed and the door of the prison has been opened, we need to get up and walk free. Many people are still sitting on the prison bench, while the prison door is wide open. Our Independence Day is reason to celebrate. Let’s continually remind ourselves and others of this glorious freedom. Let’s add action to our faith and Walk in Freedom.

Blessings!

Dan Owczarzak