By Kingsley Baehr
The Statue Of Liberty
For the past ninety years the majestic statue “Liberty Enlightening the World” has towered above Liberty Island, near the entrance to New York Harbor, as a symbol of the freedom which we enjoy here in America.
The famous sculptor, Bartholdi, gave twenty years of devoted effort to the work, personally superintending the raising of the subscription of $4,000,000 with which the French nation gave the statue to the United States. When the subscriptions lagged, Bartholdi pledged his own private fortune to defray the running expenses and practically impoverished himself over the work.
At the start, when Bartholdi looked for a model whose form and features he could reproduce as “Liberty,” he received much contradictory counsel. One of the leading art authorities advised him that the statue should depict “figures of thought which are grand in themselves.” After examining outstanding heroes, Bartholdi chose as a model for the colossal masterpiece—his own mother.[1]
—Christian Victory
Revealing isn’t it? That Bartholdi could find no better hero than his own mother as his model for liberty and freedom?
The Bible, God’s inspired Word, tells us in no uncertain terms that God is extremely interested in the freedom of the human race.
The Bible also gives us the best model for liberty and freedom.
Here is what it says:
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? – Rom. 8:31,32
Notice that God is for us. He wants us to be on His side.
Notice that God delivered up His own Son, that we might be delivered from slavery to sin.
Notice that God wants to freely give us all things.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. – Gal. 5:1
For you... have been called to freedom; only do not use freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. – Gal. 5:13
True freedom is only possible through Jesus Christ Who can free you from the enslaving yoke of sin so that you can lovingly serve God and others. During this month when we celebrate our political freedom from England, why not celebrate your personal freedom from the bondage and penalty of sin by asking the Savior to save you? He will, you know, but you must ask. He will not force His way into your life.
References
- Tan, P. L. 1996, c1979. Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : [a treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers]. Bible Communications: Garland TX