July 4, is, of course, the day that Americans celebrate our country’s freedom. Tomorrow, many Americans will celebrate the Fourth by playing softball or golf, or by watching their favorite sports on television. Additionally, on major league baseball diamonds there will be special fireworks displays and flag ceremonies. NASCAR, however, always seems to go further than other sports in their overt demonstrations of gratitude for the people who continue to secure our freedoms to enjoy all those good things. Having a son in the US Army, I am always a little moved by the pre-race prayers at NASCAR events that almost always include a request for the safety of our servicemen and servicewomen—wherever they may be serving. It is an appropriate celebration of gratitude for the sacrifices made by so many in order for us to enjoy our freedoms.
As wonderful as all those things are, however, those freedoms are bound by time and space and history. What can set us free from those things and from the bonds of our own failures? Again, the word is sacrifice. But this is a sacrifice that was not made for temporary seasons of peace and prosperity. When Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself on the cross to pay for our wrongdoing and rebellion, His sacrifice secured for us and made available to us a peace that lasts forever, and a home that can never be forfeited. A freedom that is eternally free.
So, as we celebrate and show gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy as a nation, let us be careful to not lose sight of the freedoms we can know as children of the Creator—and celebrate Him! To learn more about Christ’s sacrifice for us, you can read the booklet “Why Did Christ Have To Die?” by clicking on the cover below (it’s free). And, join us tomorrow on Sports Spectrum radio as we take a further look at the freedom we have been given in Christ.
Bill Crowder, Sport Spectrum Chaplain
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