John 8:36 - If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:32 – And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Scripture Commentaries
Independence is the state of freedom, liberty. A state of self-rule where one is not dependent on someone.
Most independence was received after much struggle, at times, war.
Most countries have gained independence from the same country (i.e colonial master) and most nations embarked on a struggle for independence yet, till today, almost all still struggle to live in harmony within themselves as independent nations.
Violence, illegal occupation of territories, exploitation of indigenous resources, to mention a few are reasons for struggles for independence.
These very reasons they gave to their colonial masters are still the same reasons why they cannot live together till today.
This is why all nations especially those that received independence from colonial masters, have anthems and pledges giving allegiance to building a strong and virile nation.
In spite of these, there are still maladies.
It was God's will that all nations be under Him, Ps 22:28, ref 1 Sam 8:6.
The truth is, no nation, or individual is truly free until made free by Christ. The independence of a nation or a person is only a means to achieve an end, it has never been the end itself. Problems, even greater ones emerged at and post-independence which are more grievous than they were before independence!
Regardless, we strive and desire to be free. It is good to be free. However some, if not all, experience bad management such that the tussle for power and dominion, insurgencies, mutinies reached unprecedented proportions.
World wars 1 and 2, the Falkland war of 1982, and many more claimed the lives of many.
Today, as we celebrate the independence of one of the world's most powerful nations, "the land of the free, home of the brave", prayerfully ask God how free have we been living together as one.
In your home, neighborhood, community, church, city, state, and nation, we see homemade and bred acts of violence. Many nations and institutions look united yet are divided.
Today's marked independence was achieved because some people fought and died, those who remained saw that "our flag, (The Star-Spangled Banner) was still there...", (the American Tradition event still Preserved till today at Fort McHenry, Maryland.
Oh, thank God!
If nations are still under threats like local terrorists, ethnic clashes, and intolerance, these unknown soldiers might have died in vain because the very cause for which they fought and died is still with us!
Though we are an independent nation, we must not live independently of each other and though we have been made free, we ought not to live under the bondage of sin or else Christ died in vain, ref Gal 2:2.
The heart cry of Jesus is:
John 17:21 -That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
He was free after a long battle over flesh that took Him to the cross. On the cross, He gave up humanity for Divinity, that we may be dependent on Him.
We are no longer in the flesh, though we still war against it, Christ's promise, if well followed has made us free, independent of the flesh's pull that it may not overcome us, Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death, (See also Rom 8:1,3-4).
If we are truly free and delivered, we must not go back to the sin that easily besets us (Heb 12:1), neither should we be made perfect by the flesh, having begun in the Spirit, Gal 3:3.
If the Church, our homes, our communities our businesses in all nations, etc, truly turn to God, we can be one under God, but we must refuse Satan's control!
Today, as you celebrate the pomp and pageantry of our nation's anniversary of 245 years, ponder in your heart, asking: what does this independence mean to me?
Remorse corner
Have you truly been made free? John 8:36.
Call to Word action
All individuals, nations that are independent need to be made free by Christ in order to be free indeed.
The Christian clarion duty
If you are still ruled and controlled by the flesh, you are not yet free, not at all.
Prayer
Lord help and lead all leaders of nations. Let nations surrender to You.
Lead us as individuals, let us subject ourselves to You, help us and deliver us from slavery to sin, in Jesus' name.
Happy 4th of July!
May God bless the USA, in Jesus name.
Good morning all and be blessed as you come into His presence.
God bless you.
