Liberty

“You shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family.”—Leviticus 25:10 NASB

In 1751, the Pennsylvania Assembly ordered a bell for its State House to be made by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London. This bell has the inscription from Leviticus 25, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all the inhabitants thereof.”

This became known as the Liberty Bell and played a special role throughout the American struggle for independence. Every time it rang, the people had an opportunity to remember the Bible verse that proclaimed liberty throughout their land.

The verse chosen for the bell celebrates independence and freedom. The word jubilee comes from a Hebrew word that means trumpet, which blew to signal the beginning of the year of jubilee. It spoke of the promise that one day every fifty years, debts would be forgiven, and slaves would be set free. It was a time of celebration.

This is a time each year when Americans celebrate freedom. For people everywhere, this is a time to remember the freedom God has given us. Jesus was born, died, and rose again so that each of us might be free. Because of His sacrifice, we can be freed from sin and the curse of death. We can be free from guilt, fear, and worry.

Today, remember you can bring any problems to God. He can forgive sins and heal. All His promises are true! You don’t have to live in fear. You can be free in Christ! Make this a day of celebration! In Christ, you are free!

Reflection Question: What are you proclaiming freedom from today?