Declare Your Independence!

On July 2, 1776 in the midst of the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence which resulted in the legal separation of the original Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain.  Following this action the Congress turned their attention to the Declaration of Independence which was a document explaining this decision.  This statement was prepared by a Committee of Five with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. 

After much debate and revision, the Declaration was finally approved on July 4^th.  Even though most historians have concluded that the document wasn’t actually signed until a month later on August 2, 1776, the 4^th of July from the onset, has been celebrated as the day to honor the independence of the United States from the rule of Great Britain.

What day do you honor as the day you celebrate your independence from the tyranny of rule of the prince of this world?  The day you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord is the day when the enemy of our soul’s power over our lives was broken… for good… unless you knowingly or unknowingly give him the reign in any part of your life!

Ephesians 1:21 declares that Jesus “is far above all rulers, authorities, powers, lords, and all other names that can be named, not only in this present world but also in the world to come.” (God’s Word ©)  Then in the very next verse the writer brings home the point that “Christ is head over everything for the good (or for the benefit) of the church.” (Ephesians 1:22 God’s Word ©)

Now that you have attained your legal separation from the government of the power that used to have you enslaved, are you walking in the fullness of the benefits that Jesus has provided for you?  We didn’t have to fight in the physical bloody battles like the brave members of those first thirteen colonies to receive our independence.  Jesus did it for us! (see Job 33:24-24, Colossians 1:20-23 for starters!)  He provided our personal 4^th of July to celebrate with rejoicing and praise, and expects us to live the independent, yet loving and powerful life that He died for us to have.

As you celebrate the independence of our great country today (or whatever day you celebrate for the country you call home) think not only of the determination, zeal, blood, sweat and tears that it took over the years of war that concluded with our freedom, but  think also of the blood, sweat and tears that Jesus shed for you and me so that we could live totally independent from the power, authority and dominion of our spiritual enemy.  He’s been defeated… our job is now to live like it!

Have a great holiday!  Stay in tune to His Word, and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting to CELEBRATE today?”