July 4th weekend in the USA is a time where we hear folks talking much about “freedom”. Many seem to think that living in the USA is synonymous with what it means to be free. Living outside of North America I've found that freedom is not related to our country of residence.
Of course ever country has some obvious cultural differences. Some places in the world are more oppressive and tyrannical than others. Some countries do allow their citizens more leeway. But none of the kingdoms-of-this-world are interested in allowing their citizens to enjoy true freedom. True freedom is only found in Jesus!
According to Matt. 4:8&9, all of the kingdoms-of-this-world are controlled by Satan. Jesus said that Satan comes only “to steal, and to kill and to destroy”. Satan doesn't want anyone in any of his kingdoms, whether America or Thailand, to know true freedom. But Jesus has come so we can have life and have it more abundantly! Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life”. Jesus said you “shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”.
As others celebrate their citizenship in a kingdom-of-this-world, may those of us who know Jesus continue to declare our allegiance to the kingdom of Jesus alone. Let's continue to proclaim in America, Thailand and around the world that true freedom can only be found in Jesus.