56 men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction for freedom resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. 12 had their homes destroyed. 2 lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another had 2 sons captured. 9 of the 56 fought and died.
Freedom is not easily won. Jesus understood this. He came to Earth to give us freedom. He allowed Himself to be beaten and nailed to a cross for freedom. Your freedom. My freedom.
As I have been talking all summer about this freedom at our camps, 700+ teens have been set free from their sins. Romans 6:18 talks about this and John 8:32 says the truth will set you free. The truth is that Jesus came to set all prisoners free (and we are all prisoners to our own sins), as Psalm 146:7 says.
As our nation celebrates freedom today, take a moment to remember those men and women who selflessly gave their lives for freedom. And for Jesus, who too gave His life for our eternal freedom.
