It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NIV)

For those non military types, the sound you hear from the CH-46E flying overhead IS the sound of freedom! Can you believe that some people are annoyed when military aircraft fly by their house? You wouldn’t believe the number of “noise complaints” our squadron has received over the years from one individual who lives along one of the helo routes in DC. I’ve only heard about it and fortunately not gotten in trouble for causing a noise complaint, but the audacity to complain about those who live and breathe to keep you safe!!! It reminds me of this great quote from A Few Good Men: “I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said ‘Thank you’ and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post.”

Ok, hopefully that rant got your attention for what we’re going to look at next. I’ve explained what we in the military world say freedom sounds like, but what does it sound like to you? What ringing does freedom produce for those who were once slaves of sin, who were blind but can now see? Do we ever really stop and listen for it? It takes spiritual ears and eyes to hear and see the things in the spirit realm. Unlike the wop-wop of helicopter rotors, it is very hard to describe, almost impossible to put into words. But whether in your own life, or in the lives of others, when the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (John 8:36 NLT)

And if you’ve experienced this, you know what it sounds like. After all, we’ve been set free to experience that freedom, and part of experiencing something is listening to it. We can’t hear the sound of freedom if we’re putting ourselves back in the prison cell of the flesh or being slaves to anything but Christ alone.

I personally like to let people hear the sound of freedom when I’m flying around, and I just hope they enjoy hearing it. I also want people to listen for the sound in the spirit realm when chains fall and hearts rejoice and angels sing because one who was lost has now been found. Ah, the sound of freedom! Let it ring!