Shaun Groves
Jesus had been speaking for a while now. And some of the Jews were convinced he was the Messiah. They believed. Turning his attention to them, he said, “If you do what I’m teaching then you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They were confused by this.
Free? We’re already free. No shackles around our feet. No ropes around our wrists. No brick-making for a pharaoh. We’re slaves to no one.
“Why are you saying we will be set free?” they asked.
Jesus answered, “Listen closely to what I’m about to say. Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. And a slave isn’t a permanent part of the family like a son is. If the Son of God sets you free from your slavery you will be really truly free.” (John 8:31-36)
No shackles on my ankles. No ropes. No persecution. No fear. Thankful for this freedom. But sobered today, aware that it’s merely surface-deep, temporary, stolen easily by the army with the greatest strategy and the most steel.
But there is more. Untakeable freedom. Emancipation by God’s Son from sin and death – deeply, through-and-through, everlastingly, really truly free!
Freedom. Granted by God to men and women gathered in air conditioned churches every Sunday morning on Main Street. Burning in the bones of two or more huddled in darkness whispering prayers behind the curtain of communist rule. Freed and enslaved made free indeed.
Thank, God.
Kelli says:
Amen.
Heart and Haven says:
I love that! I too, had a similar sentiment for this 4th of July about the meaning of “freedom”. I love it when the Holy Spirit whispers to our soul, and what we can learn when we listen.
http://heartandhaven.com/2011/07/04/let-freedom-ring/
Lacy Popa says:
Thanks so much for posting this! I was struggling quite a bit and I really needed to be reminded! ^_^
<3
Deirdre says:
I love my country, but the freedom that Christians CAN experience in Christ is so much higher and deeper and wider (and wilder) than anything that a mere fireworks show or a flag, or even a whole parade of flags could encompass.
Jaime Jones says:
Thank you, Jesus, for absolute freedom–the kind the world can’t take away. Thanks for the reminder Shaun.
Denise Carter says:
Thank you Shaun for your words that remind us of what truly is important. I wish I did not need reminding, but I do, and am thankful for the Grace that God has for me when I am weak.
Christine says:
What a perfect July 4th post! Thank you.
“Burning in the bones of two or more huddled in darkness, whispering prayers behind the curtain of communist rule.”
As chilling as it is to think of Americans praying in huddled darkness someday, I know that in Christ we can endure and give thanks….just like the Apostle Paul. Not only are we free from the bondage of sin, but also from despair. Knowing Christ means our spirits can rise above our circumstances. What a miracle that is, too! To know such joy!