Memorial Day, celebrating the unofficial beginning of summer. Please take time and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Also take time and reflect that our own life has been given to us because someone gave their life for us. Let me explain. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Freedom Isn’t Free is the title of a poem written to recall the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the giving of their lives. Their willingness to give secures to this day our freedom; freedom to do what we enjoy, racing.
Recently we experienced the loss of that freedom. We went through a time where our freedoms were restricted. We got a glimpse of what this country would look like if we weren’t free? On any given weekend we could choose where we go to watch a race. We could choose where to race. That was taken away. Our freedom of choice was taken away. That is not something to take lightly.
Think of a race team. Some are funded well, others run on a shoestring. It doesn’t matter; to be able to race someone pays. Someone’s hard work earns the money to pay the cost of preparing the car and team to race. We experience the freedom to race because someone paid the price. The situation is the same whether it is our hard work or someone else’s hard work, to race someone pays. Freedom to race isn’t free either.
Think of all the choices we can make in our life and then think of some of the other nations in the world who don’t have the same option. The difference is freedom. The founders of our country decided to build it on the foundation of God and free will. We fight to maintain that, not only for us but also for other nations and peoples of the world.
God also gives us freedom, freedom to choose. He makes available for us a life of abundance and freedom. We can choose to accept that life. Jesus said…
John 10:10; The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Jesus came and gave His life as a sacrifice so that we could know the abundant and free life that God has offered us. Not unlike those who have fought and gave their lives for our country’s freedom. Why? So that we can enjoy an abundant and free life. For us to experience freedom it cost someone something.
In Acts 2 Peter reminds us;
Act 2: 14b; NLT; …“Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.”
Acts 2:21; NLT; … everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:22-24; NLT; “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.
Acts 2:36; NLT; “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
For us to have freedom as a country many men and women paid with their very own lives. They made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of others. They gave their lives. Likewise, Jesus gave His life so that we might have life.
John 3:16-17; “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Those lives that were given for us secured our freedom. Jesus Christ gave His life to save us from death and destruction. Let me ask a question, do you enjoy your freedom as an American? If you do take the time to say thank you and honor those who have made it possible.
Let me ask another, do you want to experience an abundant and free life that only comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior? He gave His life to give you that opportunity, accept it and free yourself from the burden of sin.
Freedom isn’t free. It cost someone, something. Be thankful there are those who are willing to pay the price for our freedom.
What should we do? First, if we haven’t received Jesus as both Lord and Savior of your life you need to address that and ask Him to come into your life and forgive you. If Jesus is Lord and Savior of your life, we should proclaim the gospel and let God move the hearts of those who hear so they can have the freedom in Christ that we have.
I Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
