Alex de Tocqueville traveled across America for his French government early in the nineteenth century, searching for the secrets of our nation's successes. He wrote: "I searched for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there. I searched for the greatness and genius of America in her fertile fields and boundless forest, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her public system and her institutions of learning, and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

Does America need us to help her people follow Jesus? Would you agree with Jesus this morning? Would you make it your personal life purpose to help people follow him? Would you make your career, your relationships, your work this week a means to that end? Would you help America follow Jesus by starting with the Americans you know?

A few years ago I saw the Statue of Liberty up close for the first time. It was a breathtaking experience for me. I'd long seen pictures, and even seen it from an airplane. But I took a day, rode the ferry over, and walked around the Statue herself. I highly recommend the experience.

You probably know her history. On July 4, 1886, the people of France presented her to our country as "Liberty Enlightening the World." The statue represents a proud woman, dressed in a loose robe which cascades in graceful folds to the top of the pedestal on which she stands. In her right hand she holds a great torch raised high in the air. In her left arm she grasps a tablet bearing the date of the Declaration of Independence. A crown with huge spikes like sun rays rests on her head. At her feet lies a shackle representing the overthrow of tyranny. This great statue, the world's modern symbol of freedom, has stood the storms of world wars and the tests of time. She stands today, celebrating her continuing offer of freedom to all who come to her shores.

There is another statue of liberty. It was made of wood. It was not erected in friendship, but in anger and hatred. It is the cross. On it our Savior was nailed. His crown was made of thorns. His robe was gambled for by the Roman soldiers. He died on that cross, but it did not end there. The cross was only the beginning, for Christ rose from that death to triumph over all death and sin. We'll compare the two "statues" tomorrow.

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