By: Elizabeth Haarberg
Free Indeed
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.
Freedom is available to all through Jesus, but it’s up to us to receive the freedom that is offered.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:36 English Standard Version
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,”
Luke 4:18 English Standard Version
Why do people who know Jesus not walk in freedom? Maybe they are living according to the curse in Genesis 3, women see their husbands like a god and men are workaholics, or maybe they are working out of ambition and ego. There are many reasons people aren’t free in their minds. If Jesus offers freedom, he didn’t say it depends on our circumstances or what state our marriages or jobs are in. Freedom is available to all in every circumstance.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 English Standard Version
So, what is enslaving people and what do we need to be free of? We don’t see slavery in the traditional sense any longer in this country, but some are still slaves to their work, families, money as well as any other areas that entrap.
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Matthew 6:24 English Standard Version
Any word can be substituted for money in this verse. We can only serve one master, and if we are serving something or someone other than God, that is bondage. Performing a simple inventory of ourselves to evaluate where our attention and time lies is an easy way to identify the master you serve. There is no shame in the realization of serving someone or something other than God, just repent and turn toward God. He is always present to receive us.
Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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