Across the Pastor’s Desk by James Kassera

July is a month when the red, white and blue decorate our town and our homes. July is a time when we celebrate our freedom; but we know that freedom isn’t free. Men and women bravely gave their lives on the battlefield. People worked in the factories and in the fields to support our military and our nation over the years. Families were separated, and lives were lost, all with the hope that we could be free from tyranny and oppression. Freedom isn’t complete, and it will take continued effort for us to get where we want to be.

Eternal freedom isn’t free either. The gift of heaven isn’t just a voucher that God sprinkles down from the sky like snow. Eternal freedom had a great price, a price Jesus was willing to pay. No matter who you are or how much money you make, you are going to die. You are going to stand before God and have to answer the question of why you should be in heaven. “Because I want it,” is not going to get you in; heaven isn’t free.

You see, you and I have a lifetime of mistakes and imperfections and those things kind of trap us and imprison us. God tells us that, “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) Our sins earn death, eternal death, and ban us from heaven. There is nothing we can do to change that fact, so Jesus went to war for us. Jesus lived the perfect life God requires and paid for our sins on the cross. On Easter morning, Jesus rose from the dead to show us that through him we have freedom. Through faith in Jesus Christ alone, we are free from sin, free from death and free to enjoy eternal life in heaven.

What a joy it is every year to join together as a community and celebrate our freedom. We join together for the parade. We join together for the best fireworks around. We join together in backyards and on the lakes. We proudly celebrate our freedom; as we should. Don’t forget to celebrate your eternal freedom as well. Join together to hear God’s Word so he will strengthen your faith. Celebrate by living in thankfulness to God and rejoicing over every blessing he gives you. God reminds us, “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16)

God bless you all in Jesus’ name.

James Kassera is pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.