Bible – Bible Society of Zimbabwe

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.-2

Get ready to dive deep into Independence Day, celebrated every 18th of April in Zimbabwe! It’s not just about parties and flags waving high, it’s a chance to think big. We’re talking about freedom, justice, and how Zimbabwe broke free from the past. And guess what? The Bible has a lot to say about all of this! So, let’s see how its stories help us understand why Independence Day is such a big deal.”

Freedom from Slavery

The story of when the Israelites got free from being slaves in Egypt, like it says in the Book of Exodus, is a lot like what countries go through when they want to be independent.. Through divine intervention and the leadership of Moses, the Israelites were liberated from the oppressive rule of Pharaoh and embarked on a journey toward the Promised Land, Canaan (Exodus 12 – Numbers 33). This narrative underscores the biblical principle that God desires freedom for His people and calls upon individuals to resist bondage and oppression.

Justice and Equality

The prophets from the Bible always said that fairness and being equal are really important. They told leaders and everyone else to treat people who are pushed aside or treated badly with respect and fairness. The prophet Isaiah exhorted, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17, NIV). Independence Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, echoing the prophetic call to advocate for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their social status or background.

Responsibility and Promise

While Independence Day commemorates the attainment of freedom, it also underscores the responsibility that comes with it. The biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with God’s laws and upholding moral principles. The promise between God and the Israelites, symbolised by the giving of the Ten Commandments, serves as a reminder that true freedom is found in obedience to divine guidance. ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” (Exodus 19 v 4-6 NIV).

Conclusion

Independence Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the biblical principles of freedom, justice, and liberation. As you celebrate the attainment of independence, may you also heed the lessons of the Bible, striving to uphold justice, equality, and freedom in our societies. May you be inspired by the courage and resilience of those who have fought for liberation, and may you continue to pursue a world where all individuals can experience the blessings of true freedom.

At Mount Sinai

1-2 The Israelites left Rephidim and arrived at the desert. Then two months after leaving Egypt, they arrived at the desert near Mount Sinai, where they set up camp at the foot of the mountain. This was two months after they had left Egypt.

3 Moses went up the mountain to meet with the Lord God, who told him to say to the people:

4 You saw what I did in Egypt, and you know how I brought you here to me, just as a mighty eagle carries its young. 5 Now if you will faithfully obey me, you will be my very own people. The whole world is mine, 6 but you will be my holy nation and serve me as priests.

Moses, that is what you must tell the Israelites.

7 After Moses went back, he reported to the leaders what the Lord had said, 8 and they all promised, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” So Moses told the Lord about this.

9 The Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud and let the people hear me speak to you. Then they will always trust you.” Again Moses reported to the Lord what the people had said.

10 Once more the Lord spoke to Moses:

Go back and tell the people that today and tomorrow they must get themselves ready to meet me. They must wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the day after tomorrow, when I will come down to Mount Sinai, where all of them can see me.

12 Warn the people that they are forbidden to touch any part of the mountain. Anyone who does will be put to death, 13 either with stones or arrows, and no one must touch the body of the person being put to death in this way. Even an animal that touches this mountain must be put to death. You may go up the mountain only after a signal is given on the trumpet.

14 After Moses went down the mountain, he gave orders for the people to wash their clothes and make themselves acceptable to worship God. 15 He told them to be ready in three days and not to have sex in the meantime.

The Lord Comes to Mount Sinai

16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud covered the mountain, a loud trumpet blast was heard, and everyone in camp trembled with fear. 17 Moses led them out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.

18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had come down in a flaming fire. Smoke poured out of the mountain just like a furnace, and the whole mountain shook. 19 The trumpet blew louder and louder. Moses spoke, and God answered him with thunder.

20 The Lord came down to the top of Mount Sinai and told Moses to meet him there. 21 Then he said, “Moses, go and warn the people not to cross the boundary that you set at the foot of the mountain. They must not cross it to come and look at me, because if they do, many of them will die. 22 Only the priests may come near me, and they must obey strict rules before I let them. If they don't, they will be punished.”

23 Moses replied, “The people cannot come up the mountain. You warned us to stay away because it is holy.”

24 Then the Lord told Moses, “Go down and bring Aaron back here with you. But the priests and people must not try to push their way through, or I will rush at them like a flood!”

25 After Moses had gone back down, he told the people what the Lord had said.

Exodus 19