My husband and I just got back from a much needed weekend getaway with some friends of ours at a lake house just outside of Tuscaloosa, AL. Terry loves to fish and that's exactly what he, along with two of his friends did all weekend. We haven't seen these friends in about a year, so it was good to share what God has been up to in each of our lives. It was an incredible time!
In order for us to get to Tuscaloosa from where we are, we travel through Knoxville, Chattanooga, then into Alabama via Interstate 59. When we get to Birmingham, we take 459 toward Tuscaloosa. It is a very long drive! Eight hours to be exact! But when you hit 459 just outside of Birmingham there stands a replica of The Statue of Liberty. I don't know if you have ever driven this route, but if you have, chances are you have seen this statue. It is eye catching and stands 31 feet in the air. I have often wondered as we have driven past why it is there. The obvious, would be it represents "freedom." As it is a replica of the original on Ellis Island, New York, that was given as a gift to us from the people of France and is an iconic symbol of independence and freedom. This time, when we got home, I finally remembered to look it up and research this particular statue to find out it's significance. It turns out the founder of Liberty Insurance had it made to represent his insurance company as an advertising gimic. But as I drive past this enormous statue, I can't help but to automatically see it as a symbol of the freedom that we have living in the United States. I even feel a since of patriotism that wells up inside as I pass it, knowing I am a citizen of this great nation. It almost makes me want to start singing the national anthem. Especially in this day and time when there is such turmoil in the world, I praise God everyday for the blessings He has placed on this country and the freedoms we have.
But along that same stretch of interstate about an hour away from that statue there stands another. It's a cross that is three dimensional and stands about 100 feet atop a hill leading to a Baptist Church. Again, you can't miss this cross. It is huge! As we drive past it, I realize how much bigger this cross is compared to the replica of the Statue of Liberty and the even greater significance it has. You see, I am reminded that while I am blessed to be a citizen of the United States of America and I am able to enjoy the freedom within this great nation because of those who have fought to sustain the freedom that this country was built upon, I am still a foreigner here. This is not my true home. That cross, a symbol of scorn and shame, represents the freedom I have to live in eternity with my Savior and King, bought and paid for by His blood for my sins. One of my favorite passages of scripture reminds me of that. "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21.
My freedom comes through faith. Faith in knowing one day that the things of this world will pass away and I will live in heaven for eternity with my Heavenly Father. 2 Timothy 4:8 says, "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." Although those of us who are fortunate enough to live in a nation that allows us to vote, worship our Lord and Savior, enjoy a quality of life that many other countries do not have, this is all just temporary. The freedom given to us through the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ, who is now seated at the right hand of the Father, is for eternity. For those who have accepted and confess Him as their Savior and believe in His promises will live with Him in heaven forever. Yes, I am patriotic when it comes to the United States. But I am passionate about Jesus Christ. That passion wells up in my spirit and I can't help but give Him all the praise and honor for loving me that much to sacrifice His life in order that I may live with Him forever!
There is a praise song that I love to sing and has become an anthem to living a Christian life and the hope that comes from knowing that one day Jesus Christ, when His Father says it's time, will come and take me home. The words are, "Through you the blind will see. Through you the mute will sing. Through you the dead will rise. Through you our hearts will praise. Through you the darkness flees. Through you my heart screams I am free. I am Free to Run, I am Free to Dance, I am Free to Live for You, I am Free. Through you the kingdom comes. Through you the battle's won. Through you I'm not afraid. Through you the price is paid. Through you there's victory. Because of you my heart screams, I AM FREE!" Yes, it's only through Him we are truly free.
His Humble Servant,
Angie Burkeen
Club 180 Ministry
503 Main Street
Cumberland, KY 40823
http://www.club180ministry.com/
