As we celebrate our country’s independence on this July 4th weekend, Mike delivers a different message — a message of “dependence.”
Does any holiday conjure up more national pride than Independence Day? In 1776, the United States proclaimed its independence from the “tyranny” of the English monarch. And we have become a people that value independence — choosing our own paths, making our own decisions, and being in control of our own destinies.
“But our citizenship is in heaven.”
Philippians 3:20
The word “dependence” conjures up negative images: people who can’t take care of themselves, those without means, individuals who seem unable to make decisions. And yet, Jesus says, “come to me…”
“In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.”
2 Corinthians 1:9
The ultimate decision one makes is whether to rely on self, OR, to rely on God. The consequences of both decisions are significant.
Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave.
But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave.
Psalm 49:5-9,15