"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

 

Benjamin Franklin said it best when, referring to the finality of the decision of the 56 who would sign the declaration that would mark them as traitors to the Crown, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately." In so signing the Declaration of Independence, these 56 men committed themselves to victory or to death, for there could be no in between for those who put their pledge on that fateful piece of paper.

 

I enjoy going back and reading the lives of our founders, in part because it helps me to appreciate just what it was they accomplished, as well as what they were willing to risk for the cause of freedom. Even more, I enjoy going back and reading of the life of the One who paid the ultimate price in securing freedom for those who were held in bondage from their fear of death because of their own sins.

 

Today's Bible reading covers the final 7 chapters of the Book of Matthew. Chapters 22-28 conclude the first of the four biographies of Christ that God chose to be placed within His sacred Word. Since each Word is inspired, we can be sure that we are getting the exact account that God wanted us to have - and, what an account it is! It reveals the life of the One who not only was willing to risk His life for a worthy cause, but who already knew that He would have to die in order that we might enjoy freedom from sin.

 

I greatly admire our founding fathers, for their cause was noble and honorable. It took men and women of great courage to do what they did and I have tremendous appreciation for what they did...

 

but what they accomplished is nothing compared to that which our Lord accomplished. He who was with God in the beginning was willing to leave the perfection of Heaven and come to this earth to be persecuted, reviled, spat upon, beaten and crucified upon a cruel cross.  

 

And He did all of this so that we might be free! 

 

Have you read your Bible today? It will teach you the true meaning of the cost of our freedom.

 

"Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will."

Matthew 26:39, NIV