Devotional: Freedom

Exodus 14:13-31

“Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore” (Ex. 14:30, NASB).

The American colonies declare themselves free from the rule of the British crown on July 4, 1776. However, they are not yet free. The mother country, England, is not going to lose her possession so easily. The only way that the colonies can be free is to fight the Revolutionary War and defeat England.

Freedom is never won with our words only. The king of Egypt tells Moses to take his people and leave Egypt. “Then he called for Moses and Aaron at night and said, ‘Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the sons of Israel; and go, worship the LORD as you have said’” (Ex. 12:31, NASB). However, Pharaoh changes his mind and pursues Israel. Israel is trapped at the Red Sea. God blows His wind and the waters of the sea are divided. The Israelites cross over on dry ground. The waters return to its normal flow and the Egyptians drown in the sea. Now, Israel is free.

On this Fourth of July holiday. Let all Christians remember that our freedom from sin is not won by the words of human beings. Rather, God acts on our behalf. Jesus the Christ, God’s Son dies on the cross to redeem us from sin. Let us shout the praises of our God who gives us freedom.