A Better Independence
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-32,36)
The celebrations of Uganda’s 53rd independence anniversary filled the air during the past week. The general reflections were on the nation’s progress during the 53 years, and pointing out any bottlenecks that have hampered growth and development. Some nations have made much greater strides in similar or even shorter times, and questions on what has hindered Uganda from attaining those heights seem not to get sufficient answers. We have had wars, instability, sectarianism and corruption, neo-colonialism; but we also have had times of relative peace, with great natural endowments that can spur sustainable development when well harnessed. This debate should be continued; but for now allow me transport you to a better independence, a better freedom.
When the Israelites were freed from their slavery in Egypt, they rejoicingly left Africa with much loot; but hard times ahead made many look back and ask whether that independence was really a good idea. Times when God seemed to have abandoned them – at the Red Sea, in the waterless desert, among venomous serpents, facing hunger – such times invoked feelings that there must be a better independence, a better freedom. The great prophet always spoke to this nation and told them the formula to attaining peace and prosperity in the Promised Land – to be careful and obey the decrees and laws of the LORD God. Failure to follow the LORD results not in liberation but in transferring from one oppressor to another.
Jesus spoke to Jews about freedom and they wondered if he thought they were slaves. He spoke about a liberation that does not suffer setbacks that have held Uganda back from sprinting forward, a freedom that is not spoiled by wars, a freedom that is not abused by super-powers, a prosperity that is not hit by storms and El-Nino. “everyone who sins is a slave to sin… but if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (Jn 8:36). What kind of independence are you celebrating? Who has set you free? Some Pan Africanists suffered and almost spent themselves to shake off the colonial master. But Jesus came down from heaven to earth, he taught and prayed day and night, then he suffered death on the cross – he paid the full price and suffered the full penalty – to purchase your better independence, a better freedom. Then He rose again to life eternal give assure us that the better freedom will not be short lived but will last forever. Hallelujah!
Like Moses, Apostle Peter declares similar instructions, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19). Receive these gifts freely by faith from Jesus Christ the true liberator, and you will be free indeed.
God bless you all.