God's Freedom

The tug-a-war was going in their thoughts.  When they had been told that faith in a risen Saviour was the way they were to live they embraced it and found great joy and freedom in their lives.  Then one day a new message was delivered saying that faith was important and much needed but the old way of the covenant relationship of circumcision was equally important.  How could they expect to find full acceptance without adhering to this ritual.  Confused with the conflicting views they felt the tug-a-war happening in their thoughts.  Who is right?  The first person who shared the words that brought such joy and freedom or the second person who said that freedom is found only in going back to the original covenant requirement.  Thankfully the first presenter heard of the situation they were in and wrote to them reminding them that the original covenant of faith in a Saviour to come was fulfilled at the cross and now it is the faith relationship with a risen Saviour that brings true freedom.

Hers had been a sad life in many ways, but what she was being subjected to at that moment was at the top of list of bad moments.  In front of a crowd of people she was being humiliated.  Yes, she knew she had engaged in something that was punishable by death, but it was a crime that could not be done solo, so why was she the only one being accused and humiliated in front of this crowd.  To add to the embarrassment of the moment her situation was to be judged by One she had recently heard about as being filled with compassion and love.  Perplexed she watched in silence waiting for the judgment call to be made, instead her accusers melted from the crowd because they could not fulfil the requirement of executing the punishment.  When only she was left with the One, the love and compassion she had heard about was offered by forgiving her and telling her to make changes in her life.  Those words lifted a huge burden of her shoulders setting her free like she had never felt before.

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘slave’?  Do you think of being subject to another person?  Or is it subject to an idea or passion?  Is it working tirelessly or with great enthusiasm?  Did you know that there is freedom in being a slave? How can that be no doubt is your next thought?

Let’s visit with Paul for a moment and see what he shares on that topic.  He reminds us that by nature we are sinners and slaves to sin.  When the master of sin controls our lives he leads us to be slaves to anger, hatred, immoral living, impure thoughts, selfish ambitions, jealousy, envy and other kinds of sin.   On the other hand we have the option of changing our master from the nature of sin we inherited by being part of this world to accepting Christ who has been raised from the dead.  When we connect with our new master we act and live according to his principles and values.  We show love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience, faithfulness and self-control in our lives and this brings us the greatest freedom we can imagine.

Where does this freedom lead?  Let’s follow the new master and see where he went.  While on this earth he told the crowd who were listening to him that he knew where he came from and where he was going.  He had come to show them the way to where he would be going back soon, for his way is the truth and in him is the only life that has value.  So what is his way?  It is living according to his tender-heartedness, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, being considerate of others, forgiving and loving; keeping a song of praise in your heart and on your lips, talking often with the Lord and submitting to his will.  Jesus came from heaven and has gone back to heaven to prepare that special place for us to go and join him.  When we live with that goal in mind we experience the true freedom from the slavery of sin, to everlasting freedom of being a slave to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  To choose God’s freedom and live by that choice is freeing, will you make that choice today?