Today is July 14th. A day like any other, but in France, 1789, the sound of cries for liberty rang through the air. Much like the USA, the common people were sick of being ruled by a wealthy monarch while citizens were poor and hungry. It brings to mind Victor Hugo’s novel, “Les Miserables.” Though fictional, the story describes what happens with tyrannical rule. How redemption can bring change.

Just a few days ago, we celebrated our own liberation from a similar situation. The French were our allies during that war and helped to secure freedom for our nation. The end of our own revolution took place in France when the Peace Treaty of Paris occurred in 1783. Only six years later, the French had their own battle at home. On July 14, 1789, a massive group of freedom fighters stormed the Bastille. This edifice was built in medieval times as a fortress. At the time of the storming, it was a prison – often the final resting place for the poor. It was also used to store artillery and ammunition. Immense walls of stone pierced through the clouds. It was symbolic of the humungous battle that would ensue.

Freedom always comes at a price. People die, suffer pain and agony, lose loved ones, all in the name of liberty. Is it worth the cost? Our own personal freedom as Christians was achieved by the greatest Champion to walk the earth. Jesus, the only Son of God, came to earth in human flesh. He experienced the life of poverty, shame, humiliation, destitution and pain. He did this so that we could have freedom from sin. With that freedom comes responsibility. There is nothing we can physically do to repay Him for this gift. He gave it unconditionally. His own life for ours. His resurrection to foreshadow ours. His eternity in paradise, which we can look forward to. All He asks is that we follow Him – serve Him by helping others – sharing that love with those who still don’t know Him.

“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” Victor Hugo

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY OF FREEDOM FROM SIN.