FREEDOM
08th Jul 2020
There is something wonderful about watching a toddler playing, running, laughing, skipping etc. We watch with a smile on our face and say, “Not a care in the world, what it is to be a child?” That is how God made us, and the years should not rob us of that freedom.
Galatians 5:1 says, “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.” These believers had started with freedom, but the Jewish religious police had come in and bound them with rules and regulations.
To be free is the birthright of every believer, that is why Jesus came, that is the victory of the Cross. Jesus told His disciples, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” A little later in Jesus adds, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31,32 & 36)
When Jesus declared the prophetic mandate that had be spoken by the prophet Isaiah, it included this statement, “He sent me to proclaim freedom for the captives….” (Luke 4:18)
What is this freedom that we have been granted? It is freedom from the guilt of sin, freedom from judgement, freedom from fear, freedom from anxiety. We are not bound by the past, or held captive with dread of the future.
The secret of the Christian life is not self improvement, it is death and resurrection. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) The mystery which was revealed to Paul is, “Christ in me the hope of glory.”
The Christ who lives in me is not bound by fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, discouragement, depression, fear of the past or dread of the future. He is totally free in every way and He bought that freedom for us. So if we are living in bondage to anything, it is a denial of the victory He won for us on the Cross.
Matthew 11:28-29 in The Message finishes with these words, “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
by Charles Sibthorpe
