Then, as we sat on the grassy curb and applauded the soldiers- past and present- riding with pride in our small town parade, Hannah had a revelation.
"Mom!" she cried as she tugged at my hand and danced excitedly at my side. "Jesus was REALLY A SOLDIER!"
I turned to look my middle child in the eye and asked, "What do you mean?"
"Well," Hannah explained, "Those guys (she pointed to the camoflauged parade riders) fight to keep us free right now, but Jesus died to KEEP US FREE FOREVER!"
The garbage can band banged out a funky Independence day rhythm as smiling kids on streamer-coated scooters wheeled down the street. But my mind wasn't on the noisy celebration in front of me. My mind was on the fight for freedom that had happened on a cross long ago.
Hannah was right. Jesus IS the ultimate soldier. Though the red and white stripes of our country's flag declare my freedom in this world, the red stripes on my Savior's beaten back pronounce me free forever. While I was trapped in the pit of sin, my personal freedom fighter battled the enemy of my soul. With unparalleled courage, Jesus stormed the bulwark of hell and opened wide the gates of Heaven.While America's independence is indeed a gift, my eternal freedom is dependent on the One who took my place on Calvary's cross. I enjoy a simple small town parade now and then, but I can't wait to hear the trumpets of heaven announcing the celebration at hand as the Soldier of my Soul parades down the streets of gold in Paradise's Independence Day parade!
Today's Treasure: But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
