"The commander went to Paul and asked, 'Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?' "Yes, I am,' he answered. Then the commander said, 'I had to pay a big price for my citizenship.' 'But I was born a citizen,' Paul replied. Those who were about to question him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains." -- Acts 22:27-29

While Paul is swimming against a tide that is impossible to overcome, in this scene he is enjoying a moment of being a Roman citizen.  For by the mere virtue of being one, he has caused concern to his captors, for they know that to act against a citizen of Rome is to act against Rome itself.  On this day, citizens of the United States are celebrating their independence, and for a day, will come together as one nation.  Take time to thank God today for the freedom you have to worship, to read, and to speak about God.  May you never have to be put in chains for your faith.  But with this freedom, comes responsibility.  With your freedom, what are you choosing to do?

Readings:  

2 Kings 23:31-25:30; Acts 22:17-23:10; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 18:13