As the smoke and sulfur dissipate on the morning after the day that marked this great nation's independence, I ask the following question:
Who was the key figure in bringing freedom and liberty to the people of America?
A. William Tell
B. Patrick Henry
C. Francis Scott Key
D. General George Washington
E. The Savior of the World, Jesus Christ
Although all of these men did play a role in bringing a degree of Independence to America. The answer I was fishing for was E., Jesus Christ.
Through his personal ministry to the Americans [3 Nephi 11-30] and his Atoning sacrifice for all mankind, Jesus Christ became the Savior of the children of this great nation. He promised them freedom not only from unjust dominion of foreign powers but from both physical and spiritual death.
Book of Mormon Title Page - How has the Lord provided Americans a way to remember Him?
"Wherefore, [the Book of Mormon] is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile …Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever."
Book of Mormon Introduction - When did Christ specifically free the Americas?
"The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come."
After pondering these questions, I do not think it would be unreasonable to celebrate a Spiritual Independence Day. A day where believers in Christ come together to celebrate His coming to the American Continent by reading from the Book of Mormon, focusing especially on passages referencing the Lord's Atonement and his promises to the people of this land. Reading from 3 Nephi 11-30 in the Book of Mormon would also become traditional reading.
Spiritual Independence Day would not be limited to a national day of remembrance. July 5th would offer all men, everywhere, an opportunity to remember the Redeemer of the World who fought single-handedly in an epic battle for our eternal souls. The same God who condescended to teach us how to live free from spiritual bondage here on earth and who, through His ultimate sacrifice, provided a universal path for every soul to physically walk back to the presence of the Father.
Let us take a moment in the afterglow of our celebration of the patriots who offered their very lives to defend this nations' freedoms from a domineering motherland to examine our relationship with the Great Mediator, the Only Son of God, with the same eye. Alone, he championed the greatest of all causes that we might have this promise in 2Ne.31:18,20:
"…Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
This week's Mormon Message doesn't really apply to this post; it's more about gratitude than freedom, but I think it's worth throwing in anyway. (I was invited by the missionaries to share this with someone I know.)
What a fantastic post. Thanks so much for compiling this.
ReplyDeleteI liked that video clip and all your insights. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts. Why not make a new LDS holiday? Pity we already have two major ones in July. Maybe in could fall in the next month. It would certainly be an august holiday!
ReplyDelete