Freedom, Part 2 – Just a Theoretical Concept?
Is “Freedom in Christ” for real?
When I hear the word freedom, I have to admit that I’m more likely to think about U.S. History class than my life today. I’m not pleased to admit this, but the word freedom hasn’t usually made me think about my faith either. Before we go on, if you haven’t read Sue Goodwin’s blog entry yet, please go do that. I’ll wait…
OK. Did you notice the part about being in bondage? Bondage is not a new concept. I wrote a bit about it last month. But let’s really dig into it, shall we? The Apostle Paul writes this in Galatians 5:1:
“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
When I studied this in seminary, I didn’t really get it. Does it make sense to you? For freedom, Christ has set us free?
Last week, I was at a pastors’ conference, and they were offering a gathering for healing prayer after lunch one afternoon. I’m interested in healing prayer so I decided to go. But after people had talked around the circle a bit, I realized that I wasn’t just there to learn how to do healing prayer, I needed healing prayer. I was carrying around some burdens that I wasn’t meant to carry. Anxiety is something you feel when you don’t know what the future holds. I think it stems from not feeling safe and secure. But we have God’s promises for our lives. In Luke 12:6-7, Jesus said,
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
So Jesus promised us that God loves us enough to take care of us. But bad stuff still happens in life. Shouldn’t I be worried about that? Actually, the Bible tells us that not even death can separate us from the love of God. So if nothing in life or in death can separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ, maybe anxiety isn’t necessary… Maybe God would like to free us from it!
God also wants to free us from guilt and shame. God knows us completely and loves us anyway so there’s no need for guilt or shame either. God’s love and forgiveness, shown in their full power in Jesus Christ, are sufficient for us.
I didn’t even realize the burden I was carrying, but after two pastors prayed for me at that conference, I felt like I was a couple of inches taller. I felt lighter. I felt free!
Freedom isn’t just a theory or a historical concept. It can be our reality in Jesus Christ. So don’t submit to a yoke of slavery. We don’t have to.
If you’re having trouble experiencing the freedom of Christ, be sure to talk to Debbie or me or one of our deacons. We’ll pray for you, and God will release you. God wants you to be free.
Free in Christ,
Pastor Steve