“I will save My flock, and they will no longer be prey for you. I will judge between one sheep and another. Ezekiel 34:22 HCSB
July 4th is when America celebrates its independence from Great Britain. We also celebrate the freedom we have as Americans to read our Bibles, attend worship, and praise our God. In many countries people are restricted from reading God’s Word and from attending a worship service. There are many Christians throughout our world who secretly meet each week to study God’s Word and to have worship. Some Christians are even persecuted for their beliefs. In America we are blessed to celebrate our many freedoms on July 4th.
True freedom is only found in knowing Christ as Lord and Savior and knowing that one’s sins are forgiven. God is the One who provided the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His Son, Jesus Christ, died on the Cross to pay the penalty for our sins. He is the One who has saved us. Ezekiel reminds us in this verse that God will save us. He will save us from the evil one, the devil. Matthew 25:32 tells us that on the Day of Judgment, Jesus will separate the sheep, His flock, from the goats, those who do not know Him as Lord and Savior. He will bring His sheep into perfect pasture and He will care for them.
Challenge: Praise God that as a believer you have real freedom in Jesus, knowing that Jesus has paid the penalty for your sins, your sins are forgiven, and someday you will enjoy eternal life.