Celebrating Freedom

In early July of 1776, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, informing her that independence had been declared from Britain. His prediction was spot on.

“… the whole people in every colony of the 13 have now adopted it as their own act. This will cement the union … [the day] will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated – as the day of deliverance – by solemn acts of devotion to God almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more. You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction …”

Of course, we know that the day we declared ourselves independent from Britain was … July … the … second. Wait! July 2, 1776 was the day we declared independence? Yep — July 2nd. Isn’t that interesting? As Americans, our biggest patriotic celebration is not on the day that we declared independence. Instead, we actually celebrate July 4th – the day the founding fathers approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.

We do something similar with religious days too don’t we? Ask a typical American what the most important religious day is and you probably get either Easter or Christmas. But if we look to scripture, the event the early followers of Jesus stressed commemorating the most was not the birth of Jesus or his resurrection. No, they put special emphasis on Jesus death. So much so, that a yearly celebration wasn’t enough. Instead, they partook of communion every first day of the week – on Sunday. I’m so happy that the congregation where I worship follows this New Testament example.

Today is Sunday — July 3, 2016. Tomorrow, the United States will celebrate the freedom we have in this country. Today, we celebrate the freedom we have from sin because Jesus paid the price with his own life. So, think about that as you partake of the Lord’s Supper — concentrate on, and appreciate, the sacrifice Jesus made for you.