As the United States celebrates the 4th of July – Independence Day – we’re often reminded of the price that was paid for our freedom. But today, in that spirit, I want to recall a time when a heavy price was paid for a translation of our Bible.

William Tyndale, a 16th century Englishman, translated the Bible into English while living in Germany. Finally, in 1525, he was able to publish a New Testament in English. But the church authorities at the time were not pleased and they angrily sought to destroy Tyndale and his translation. Finally, he was caught and brought back to England where he was burned at the stake.

As he was dying, he uttered these words: “Lord open the eyes of the King of England.” His prayer became a prophecy, as it was the King of England, King James, who finally did publish the entire Bible in English about a hundred years later. Our English Bible translations became a reality through William Tyndale’s heroic sacrifice and bravery, ultimately at the price of his lifeblood.

The freedom that we so enjoy on this day is only a taste of the real freedom we have in Messiah; the promise of eternal forgiveness and freedom from sin. The cost of that freedom was the precious blood of the savior Jesus. William Tyndale offered his life so we could read about this spiritual freedom in our own language. As we have celebrated our earthly freedom this Independence Day, let’s not forget to also give thanks for our eternal liberty that we find in our Lord.

Cliff

CHURCH NEWS:

Please be praying for the kids and adults who will be a part of Vacation Bible School next week.