“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Gal. 5:1
Lord Jesus, on the cusp of another July 4th weekend in the USA, I’m grateful for the many-nation family praying these prayers each day. Whatever passport each of us carries, our “heavenly citizenship” defines and delights us the most (Phil 3:20).
Indeed, thank you for making us members of the “chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation—God’s special possession” (1 Pet. 2:9). As numerous as the “stars, sand, and dust” (Gen. 22:17; 28:14)—we are destined to inhabit the new heaven and new earth, as one big, beautiful family (Rev. 21:1-22:6).
But even now, we are free—truly free (John 8:36), How free are we? You exhausted the judgment we deserve, and gave us the righteousness we could never earn. Because of your finished work, we are free from the demands of the Law and condemnation for our sins (Rom. 8:1).
Our fear of death is wilting (Heb. 2:15), and the power of shame is broken (1 Jn. 3:1-3). We are free to pose, posture and pretend less. How can this be? Because we’re already fully known and totally loved by you. Hallelujah, our tiny fiefdoms of self-preoccupation, reputation-building, and personal glory are no match for the Kingdom of your transforming grace.
Jesus, we want to be as free, joyful, and loving as you intend. Keep freeing us from under-believing the Gospel, and looking to anyone or anything else for our deepest satisfaction. So very Amen we pray, in your mighty and merciful name.