Sermon: ….Then I Shall Be Free 7-4-10

Sermon:  Listen

… THEN I SHALL BE FREE    07/04/2010    Doug Diehl

 Scripture Reading: Psalm 91

 July 4, 1776 – 56 men putting their future, their lives and their reputations on the line – the Declaration of Independence – affirming freedom for a new nation.

1700 years earlier – one man laying down his life – the cross – redeeming freedom for all of the people of all of the nations of the world.

This is a day of freedom.  You and I know what freedom is all about.  In fact, we are blessed with so much freedom more often than not we take it for granted.

We do remember today not only those 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence but also the many, throughout our history as a nation, who have laid down their personal dreams and personal comfort – sometimes their very lives – to protect our freedom.

We have been and are blessed as a church family by having among us men and women actively serving in the armed services, committed to protecting the freedom we enjoy as United States citizens. Among them is a soldier serving in Afghanistan in Task Force Rushmore.

Just a few weeks ago, Terry Ommen sat in the pew with his extended family, as we honored his son as a graduating senior.  That same week Terry left for Afghanistan. 

I have been corresponding with Terry sporadically via email and this last week I asked him what he might like me to share with the church from him.

First, he told me that Psalm 91 has been especially meaningful to him and he and many other soldiers carry this Psalm with them wherever they go.  He told me about a book he is reading entitled Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection by Peggy Joyce Ruth.  After quoting a passage in which the author talks about Jesus willingness to lay down his life, knowing that God would protect him through it all, Terry wrote this for us this morning:

“As Soldiers we all have made a choice to defend our country’s freedom.  Likewise, we too have a legion of angels for protection ... both physically and spiritually. Prayers worldwide for our safety and our belief in God are what gives us strength and protection from those who otherwise would like to see us perish.  I can’t thank everyone enough for their prayers.  They truly do make a difference.  I hope during this special day in which American’s celebrate our independence that everyone would take a moment to reflect
on the sacrifices being made both at home and abroad by US Service Members and their families so all Americans, as well as, the people of Afghanistan can enjoy the freedom of speech, religion, etc.   May God Bless you all.”

We do remember, and we do give thanks and we do pray for them in their endeavor not only to protect our freedom but also to bring peace into our world.

On this day of liberty, we also remember the freedom bought for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Jesus was part of a people also with a strong sense of freedom. They were the people of the exodus – slaves in Egypt for 400 years set free.  They were God’s chosen people – receivers of a Promised Land.  They had a strong sense of destiny. Even though in the years between the Exodus and Jesus a great many of their years were spent under the occupation of various neighbors that strong sense of freedom continued and this incredible yearning for complete freedom prevailed in the hearts of the people generation after generation.

At the time of Jesus, the Jewish people were not experiencing political freedom. The Romans occupied their land.  The Romans allowed the Jewish people much latitude in day-to-day life but their presence was very real and the Jewish people were aware that their freedom was shackled.  In fact, you may remember, many hoped Jesus would lead a victorious revolt, restoring complete freedom for their Jewish nation. 

This Jewish sense of freedom in Jesus’ day was very much tied to national pride – even self-righteousness.

Listen to this exchange between Jesus and some of his followers: ³¹Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples;   ³²and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”   ³³They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”

  ³⁴Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.   ³⁵The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever.   ³⁶So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36 NRSV)

Jesus states that freedom does not come through politics or military might or inheritance.  Jesus says true freedom somehow comes through having a relationship with him and somehow has something to do with being set free from the power sinfulness and selfishness has over all men and women.

This message is as true for us today as it was for Jesus’ fellow Jews.  True freedom does not flow from the outside in.  Freedom comes from the inside out and begins with a relationship with Jesus.

Make me a captive Lord, and then I shall be free,

Force me to render up my sword and I shall conqueror be.

My power cannot drive the world until itself be driven;

It’s flag can only be unfurled

when you breathe from heaven.