The Cost of Freedom

Together! An evening in Basel

Over spring break I had the amazing opportunity of traveling in the Normandie region of France with my sister Elisabeth.  We both had been impacted as children visiting those beaches and the American cemetery but wanted to solidify those memories as adults.  We took a guided tour of the beaches and learned many facts, more than we could possibly absorb.  But as I walked along Omaha beach, memories and emotions came in waves like those crashing on the shore.  Age and maturity had only magnified the impact of what those beaches signified and continue to signify.  The price that was paid, the blood that was spilt for my freedom.  It struck me in a new way that the price that was paid on that day and the days before and after it, paved the way for me to be able to do what Jesus has asked me to do.  Because of the price paid on those beaches I am free.  Because of the price paid I had the privilege of growing up as a missionary kid in France.  And because of the price paid on those beaches I am free to teach French in Germany at BFA.  Their blood has allowed me to do what God has called and created me to do. 

Omaha Beach

It did not seem like a coincidence that we were there during Holy Week.  Jesus paid the ultimate price for my freedom.  His blood was spilt so that I could be free from the penalty of sin, free to know and love Him whole-heartedly.  His blood allows me to be all that He has created and called me to be. 

American Cemetery, over 9,000 buried

The question I was left with was how do I continue to honor the price that was paid for my freedom: my freedom as an American citizen and my freedom as the daughter of the King.  The best way I know how to do both of those things is to choose to follow and obey Jesus in every part of my life.  The best part is that Jesus did not die to make me a free citizen.  Scripture tells us that His death allows me to receive the Spirit of adoption which allows me the privilege of calling Him Father!  What an amazing gift and one I never want to take for granted or treat lightly.

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

Galatians 5:1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. ¹³ For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters