By Amy D. Gray*

July 2007 – As America celebrates her independence consuming tons of barbecue and baked beans, singing “God Bless America,” and watching spectacular fireworks illuminate the sky, I wonder, do we truly understand the cost of freedom and the price of sacrificial love? Some 200 years ago this country became a coalition of sovereign states bought with the blood of thousands. While we must not forget the sacrifice of our soldiers, it is imperative that we also understand that true freedom is the result of the blood of One.

America is free because of them; we are free because of Him.

Recently, I spoke to Sgt. Estil F. LeMay, who served two tours of duty with the U.S. Army. He was drafted in 1944 and served stateside until 1946.

“Most soldiers,” he said, “never rejected their deployment or complained about where they were sent.” Sgt. LeMay felt it an honor to defend freedom and to ensure the liberty of future generations. He never questioned being called to serve. He re-enlisted in 1950 and served in an engineer outfit during the Korean Conflict.

As I listened intently to this dedicated soldier, my mind began to drift heavenward, and I imagined what Jesus must have thought when He received His draft notice. The Bible says that while we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8-9), justifying us by His blood and saving us from wrath. When Jesus accepted His assignment from God and allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross of hope, our lives – if we accept His gift – were changed forever.

We know from Scripture that from the beginning He was aware of the fate that awaited Him, yet His focus remained on us. Knowing that He would suffer for the souls of all people, no matter how pure or how vile, He persevered and surrendered His life to God’s good and perfect will. Like so many of our soldiers, He did what He had to do for the cost of freedom.

Jesus often spoke to His disciples in parables concerning His purpose on earth. Sadly, like us, many times they did not comprehend the magnitude of His words.

He knew that humanity was in dire trouble, and it grieved His heart. Witnessing first hand the suppression by Satan and his dark henchmen, it was evident to Him that a willing servant was required to provide a sinless sacrifice to save a doomed world. If not for the merciful God of our salvation, mankind would have been lost forever and gripped tightly in the clutches of sin. Jesus knew that only He possessed the ability to redeem us and set us free.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” First John 1:7 assures humanity that “…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Plainly spoken, because of His unconditional, sacrificial love, we are free from the bondage of sin, and we do not have to live in fear of the Enemy or the deep, dark realm of his abode. When the Father drafted the Son for spiritual warfare, He could have refused the deployment. Instead, He accepted the challenge and boldly triumphed over the Adversary, sealing our freedom and our place in eternity.

Cpl. Elvis H. Watson, served in Europe in the Army’s 47th Infantry Division from 1954 to 1956. As he spoke, I knew that I was in the presence of a soldier who was not only dedicated to his country, but also to his Savior.

Defending the freedom of his countrymen was once his responsibility. Now he faithfully defends the Gospel, and he knows that his current tour of duty will not cease until the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“I once risked my life to help liberate people that I will never know,” he said, “and today I would lay it all on the line again for the One who gave His life for me.”

Celebrating America’s independence cannot happen without remembering those who have given their lives to preserve our nation. For each one, we are eternally grateful. And may we never lose sight of the cross, for without the precious blood of Jesus, true freedom is not possible.

Cpl. Watson is a shining example – once a soldier of our nation, now a soldier of the cross.  

*Amy D. Gray is a teacher and freelance writer living in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.