Dearly beloved,

As we turn the page of another month and enter the month of July, we find ourselves once again celebrating the 4th of July. It is the day when we celebrate the gift of freedom in this country that was won during the Revolutionary war. It is a freedom that we are called to not take for granted.

And yet, freedom also comes with shared responsibility. Nelson Mandela wrote: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” We do not live out our freedom at the expense of the freedom of others. Faced with the cruelty of slavery, President Abraham Lincoln wrote: “Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves”.

As people of faith, we are reminded that true freedom is a gift from the Creator of heaven and earth. God entrusted us with freedom, calling us to live into this gift with the Love of God that created us and sustains us. In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells us: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:32-33)

Jesus is God’s Word, Love Incarnate who is the Author of freedom. The truth of our freedom is grounded in God. It is a gift from God and therefore, we do not take it for granted nor do we prohibit others from living into this freedom.

As we pause to celebrate our nation’s freedom, we seek to give thanks to the One how is the true source of it.

A Prayer for July 4th:

Lord of all nations, guide your people by your Spirit to go forward in justice and freedom. Give us what outward prosperity may be your will, but above all things give us faith in you, that our nation may bring glory to your name and blessings to all peoples; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (LBW, pg. 40)

Peace & blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jen