WEEKLY DEVOTION – July 4, 2021

“Meeting Christ is Meeting Freedom”

In the accelerated atmosphere of Independence weekend, we embrace gladly the notion of freedom. We celebrate our freedom historically as a free society, the initial stages of freedom from pandemic restrictions and personal freedoms around our own self-expression. All important aspects of freedom and all special in their own rite.

In the context of teaching, according to the gospel of John, Jesus connects knowledge, truth and freedom. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31,32) Thus knowing Jesus Christ personally and the truth about ourselves and our God will bring a freedom like no other freedom.

This freedom is beyond theoretical knowledge about God and beyond organized religious practices, it is the freedom to experience the divine. The freedom to walk in the ways of peace, joy and love. All demonstrated by the Christ event on the cross and in the power of the empty tomb. “So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Dear Lord, may the freedom you have made possible, be the freedom I experience and celebrate each day. Amen

Dumas Alexander Harshaw, Jr.