“…proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.”
Leviticus 25:10
Leviticus 25:10
One of the exciting things about living in Philadelphia is the history. Growing up as an Ameri-can in the 1970s, my understanding of civics was less inspired by my schoolwork and more by Saturday morning cartoons like Schoolhouse Rock. Philadelphia was a magical place where Franklin, Washington and Jefferson once walked. In the movie, Mr. Smith Goes to Washing-ton, Jimmy Stewart’s character will stop mid-sentence pointing and declaring, “The Capitol Dome!” Sometimes, I feel like doing the same and announcing, “Independence Hall!” to the unfortunate Philadelphians around me.
Freedom, liberty and independence are words that every American knows. They form our outlook, demeanor, and attitudes. We long to be free from all constraints, and we desire to make our own choices. Embracing Thomas Jefferson, we make the pursuit of happiness our greatest end. Even if we're unsure exactly what that looks like. Even if we don't yet know precisely how to get there.
As Christians, we also speak about freedom. As Jesus himself says, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Jesus Christ declares our own independence. How-ever, this freedom looks a little different. The Apostle Paul writes, “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another” (Galatians 5:13). Are Jesus and Jefferson talking about the same thing?
This summer, Nan Clarke, Sturge Poorman, and I will be preaching through the book of Gala-tians exploring what it means for the Christian to be free. What does the temptation of slav-ery look like for us? How does freedom affect our relationships with God and each other? Join us this July 4 and throughout the summer as we proclaim our liberty in Christ.
Grace & Peace,
James Hodsden
