56 men signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a document that would pave the way to freedom for all Americans, then and now.
Last week my husband preached a sermon about these men. He began with a simple question: “Can you name any of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence?”
The names that we should all know sprang to my mind first. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and who could forget John Hancock’s overzealous signature? But that was where the answers stopped. I didn’t know any of the other names.
My husband proceeded to tell us what happened to these men after they signed the historical document. Five of them were captured by the British, and tortured before they succumbed to death. Twelve watched as their homes were ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons to the Revolutionary war, while two men’s sons were captured. Nine of them fought and died in the war themselves.
These men were just like us. Many of them held jobs as lawyers and merchants. Some were farmers or plantation owners, and many were well-educated. Most had large families. And all of them, despite their differences, united for one common purpose: the pursuit of freedom. These men signed this document knowing the cost; they knew it could cost them their very lives.
Since my husband’s sermon, I can’t get these men out of my head. I find myself wondering if I would be so willing to sacrifice my time, my possessions, even my life, for freedom. Would I have had the courage to sign my name on that piece of paper?
As Americans, we are blessed to live in a nation of freedom. But that freedom was not free. Many lost their lives, gave up everything they owned, so that they could ensure the freedom of future generations.
Perhaps they were inspired by another man who laid down his life for freedom. As Christians, we are given freedom in Christ. But that freedom is also not free. Jesus died on the cross, paying the ultimate price, ensuring forgiveness for our sins, then and now, now and forever.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful humanity to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in human flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1-4
We are free in America because of the price those 56 men, and other men of that time, paid. More importantly, we are all free from bondage, from sin, and even death itself, all because of Jesus. Today may we recognize the price of those freedoms, and may we never take them for granted.
“You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it.” – John Adams in a letter to his wife Abigail, April 26 1777
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Holly says
I think perhaps a lot of people take what they did for granted
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Caryn Poling says
Excellent post….so very thoughtful and thought provoking. Couldn’t wait to share.
Patricia (Pollywog Creek) says
So very true, Meg. I think most of us unfortunately live every day unaware of the cost of our freedom.
Susan {LilbearMe} says
Wow, I had no idea what happened to all those men. What a price they paid. And what a price Jesus paid for me. Awesome post, Meg!!
Lauren says
Excellent post. So thankful for John 8::32 and 36… that we who were slaves to sin can be free because of the ultimate sacrifice of God’s son. Also thankful to all who were willing to be brave for America’s freedom =)
Stacey says
This post astounded me! I love it – thank you so much for sharing the truth about what happened to our founding fathers.
Jesse Lane says
Thank you for this. The men you talk about are great examples of leadership and courage. That last quote is heavy. I fear we haven’t made good use of the freedom hat was fought for. But even more so, I know we often neglect to make good use of the freedom Christ paid for. But He is so loving that He does not hold it against us or regret/repent the sacrifice as John Adams says. Instead, Christ loves us still and will see us through.
The 56 men are great examples but Christ is worthy of all our praise.
Thanks for this relevant reminder of our freedom and the price that was paid.