Did you know that freedom is not standing still?
The people of France gave the Statue of Liberty to the people of the United States over 125 years ago in recognition of a friendship established during the American Revolution. Over the years, the attributed meanings of the Statue have grown until she has become the international icon of freedom and liberty. The Statue of Liberty is the most recognizable symbol of democracy in all the world.
We have known her as the “Statue of Liberty” but her real name is “Liberty Enlightening the World”. The Statue was completed in France in July of 1884, then disassembled and shipped to the United States. She arrived in NY in June of 1885. Once the pedestal in which she rests upon today was finished, Lady Liberty was re-assembled in four months and on October 28, 1886 President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty in front of thousands of spectators.
The crown of Lady Liberty has seven spikes, symbolizing the Seven Seas across which liberty should be spread. In her left hand she holds a tablet with the Declaration of Independence and in her right hand a torch, symbolizing liberty’s enlightenment. But what many may not have realized because it is not visible do to the way she is positioned high upon that pedestal is that Lady Liberty is not standing still, rather she is trampling a broken chain while carrying Liberty’s flame.
In other words, freedom is not standing still. The French artist depicted this symbolic feature to deliver a subtle yet significant message. He intended to make a statement with a broken chain wrapped around the Statue’s feet. The chain is protruding from the bottom of Lady Liberty’s robe and it symbolizes her free forward movement, enlightening the world with her torch. As we gaze upon her the artist intended Americans to realize that liberty is moving forward for it is free from oppression.
Patrick Henry, the great statesman of our Revolution asked, “Why stand we here idle?…I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” He seemed to recognize that freedom is not standing still.
And so it is that we celebrate our freedom. In the coming days we will celebrate our nation’s birthday. Just as John Adams suggested over 200 years ago that we commemorate the signing of our Declaration of Independence with fireworks and celebrate the liberty we have in America with great pomp and pride, this weekend we will gather to celebrate our freedom.
In like manner, we must gather here in God’s house on the Lord’s Day to celebrate our Liberty that we have in Christ. Christ intended man to be free men! In fact, Christ died to set mankind free. Therefore, Christians from around the world must set aside Sunday day and celebrate the liberty we have in Christ.
But the question becomes, ”What is this liberty we celebrate and what are we to do with it? If we are free, what are we free from? If we are free, what are we free to do?” Some believe that if we are free, we are free to do nothing. I suggest that that is not freedom. Freedom does not stand still! Freedom is moving forward enlightening the world with liberty. Therefore, may we resolve to live outloud the liberty Christ has afforded every believer. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Cor 6:20)
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