The Independence Day to Come

                For those of us in the United States, this week we celebrate Independence Day. This is the day that our nation declared its will and intention to become an independent nation. Across the country, there will be fireworks, barbeques, and block parties to mark the occasion.

                But there will be another Independence Day, one you will experience if you follow Jesus. This world is not of God, but is ruled by the enemy (2 Corinthians 4:4). Because of this, we have lots of problems: sin struggles, war, disease, and pain. But the good news is our Independence Day is coming. When we are with God, He will wipe every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more pain, sickness, or death (Revelations 21:4). We will be free from all the worldly junk that causes problems for us here.

                I can't help but think about a friend of mine when I think about the coming Independence Day. Ray was one of the last people in the United States to be paralyzed because of polio. He was in a wheelchair for all of his life, and suffered from severe scoliosis that eventually compressed his body and took his life. Many people in Ray's situation might be bitter, or even angry at God. Not Ray. He was joyful about life, knowing that his Independence Day was coming. People sometimes asked him if he would like to walk. His answer was simply, "no. I will walk in Heaven." He compared it to Fanny Crosby, the blind singer-songwriter, who, when asked if she would like to see, said that she was content with being blind, knowing that she would be able to see the Lord in Heaven. Fanny has long gone home to be with the Lord. I know she is seeing the amazing sites of Heaven, just as I know Ray is leaping and dancing for the Lord, free from earthly infirmities.

                Happy Independence Day, Ray.