Yoked Freedom

Today is the 4th of July. The day when we celebrate our nation's independence from Britain. 232 years ago the Declaration of Independence was signed that gave way for our freedom to live without worry about political tyranny. I think of my ancestors who came from Poland, Germany, and Russia at times like these. I try to imagine what it must have been like to go into Ellis Island, past the Statue of Liberty with it's motto:

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

What an interesting picture of what life in America must be like to those who live where there are problems and no such thing as freedom. However, whether you agree with this statement or whether you think we have done or not done what these words talk about; there is an interesting correlation to this upcoming Sunday's Gospel lesson from Matthew 11:16-30 and specifically verses 28 through 30. (By the way, these words come before the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty! In time and in truth.)

"Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;

for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Vaguely familiar?! How great it is to know that Jesus said that if we become yoked to him he will help us carry our burdens and help us gain strength if we would just come to him. What a simple command! Just come! Here you will find freedom from your worries, from worries about money, health, and the likes that so easily entangle us. Because Jesus carried the yoke of the cross which was weighed down with the sin of the whole world and because that burden could not keep him down; he is able to make this claim and this claim is freeing. True freedom indeed!

On this 4th of July let us not think just of the freedoms that we share as citizens of this country, but let us also think of the freedom that Christ gives to us. Perhaps you need freedom today, come to the Savior. Take his yoke upon you and you find rest and a lifting of burdens.

Have a happy and safe and free 4th of July!