Freedom Isn't Free Part 1: Sacrifice

Today, in America, we celebrate Memorial Day. It’s a day of remembrance for all the men and women who selflessly gave everything for our country – not because our country is perfect but because our country is worth it. Throughout America’s history, men and women have sacrificed their time, their energy, their rest, their safety and security, and sometimes even their lives so that we could live in freedom.

These men and women – some of them barely out of high school – made a choice to stand for America, to fight for America, and to die for America. They chose to fight for the freedom of every American. Certainly, America has its flaws because we are a country – just like all other countries – made up of imperfect people. But these incredibly selfless individuals loved their country so much that they chose to pay the high price of freedom … some even paying with his or her life.

There’s another who chose to make an incredibly selfless sacrifice for the people He loved – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But His sacrifice was far greater than any sacrifice any of us could make. He chose to die for all mankind even though He knew He would be ridiculed, beaten, and tortured and His death on the cross would be brutal. He knew no sin - was faultless, perfect - yet He became sin so that we could b set free for both our earthly and eternal lives. Jesus paid the high price so we could be set free from every form of bondage and every stronghold. He tells us to take up our cross and follow Him because His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Jesus paid a high price for you and me despite our imperfections.

Jesus wants us to live our lives in freedom while here in our temporary bodies, and ultimately eternally with Him. And He paid that high price because He loves us more than we could ever imagine – He loves us…immeasurably! He chose to be the ultimate sacrifice, not because we’re perfect but because we’re worth it.

So, just like the men and women who chose to pay a high price for our freedom in America, Jesus wants us to choose to pay the price to live in freedom with Him!

Following Jesus comes at a price, but so does following the world. What price will you have to pay? A better question is, what price are you willing to pay?

• Will you choose freedom found in Jesus if that means less likes and shares on social media?
• Will you choose freedom found in Jesus if that means you might have to spend a few Friday nights alone?
• Will you choose freedom found in Jesus if that means you will be teased for being a goodie-goodie?
• Will you choose freedom found in Jesus if that means your friend group may get a whole lot smaller?
• Will you choose freedom found in Jesus if that means you have to change some things in your life … like your job, your weekend activities, your sexual activity, your significant other, or something else you hold dear?

You see, freedom comes at a high price, but it's also a choice - our choice.

Those we follow are the ones to which we are bound…their morals, values, and beliefs. When we follow the world, we’re bound to the world…which leads to deceit, defeat, and destruction. And when we follow Jesus, we’re bound to Jesus…and that is where we find joy, peace, and true freedom.

When we walk with Jesus, there is no guilt, shame, or judgment. He gives us His wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption. We are set free from every stronghold that keeps us bound tightly in bondage, and that means, we have hope, victory, and purpose.

• Will you choose freedom or bondage?
• Will you choose light or darkness?
• Will you choose the way of the Word or the way of the world?

Let's Pray:

Jesus, I thank You for dying a sinner’s death so that we can live a life of freedom. You are worthy of our highest praises. I also thank You for every man and woman who fights for America so that we can live freely, and I lift up those families who have lost loved ones on the battlefield. I also ask that You break every chain, every stronghold, every form of bondage that keeps us from walking in freedom. Help to see Your truth and give us the courage and boldness to choose You and to choose freedom! We love you, Jesus, and we thank You for Your endless grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Amen!

Today’s Bible Verses:

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1, NIV)

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2, NIV).

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT).

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant” (Colossians 1:21-23, NIV).

“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30, NIV).

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you” (John 15:18-19,  NIV).

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV).