Freedom. Once again the word has become more than a
sentimental slogan during patriotic festivities, or a given concept in the
statues of our countries. Our generation faces the raw need of freedom: we are
becoming aware of the millions of stories of modern day slavery, and facing the
struggles of addictions, economy, and prejudice that become the bondage of
many… including ourselves.
The great news of Jesus clashing with such a
decadent system and victoriously disarming the strongholds to which we have surrendered our peace, our integrity and our spirits, is an eternal declaration
that applies its full force of authority in our past, our present, and our
future. LET FREEDOM RING!!!
Jesus stretches His pierced hands to us
offering much more than a single moment of forgiveness. While He abundantly
shows His love and mercy to me—a flawed, scarred, broken, proud and disoriented
human who has tried to measure up to a high and holy standard of justice—He
proves the victory He has already won for my soul.
Not only was this a victory in past times, it
is a victory that resonates every day. It is etched in eternity, sealed by the
purest blood and sustained by the fiercest love. This victory means that the
price for our freedom has been paid in full, and it applies to our past days
and our future years. Eternal freedom: no expiration date.
Merriam-Webster defines freedom as:
1. The quality or state of being free.
2. The absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.
3. Liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another: independence.
4. The quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous.
Jesus Christ has given everything to offer us
the eternal quality or state of being free. He died so that you and I could
have a choice to love and follow Him without restrictions. He offers our
liberation from the destructive power of Satan and our flesh. And usually we stop there.
In my own life, Jesus keeps reminding me that
He has given me freedom from something onerous. Your burden and shackle might
be a sickness, or for others an addiction… depression, low self-esteem… My
onerous binding frequently turns out to be the strive for holiness. The law
sneaks upon us and the lie Satan wants us to believe is that God’s commandments
and statues, as well as what could be commonly known as “Godly ways of living,”
are tasks piled upon us. Suddenly do’s and don’ts become sandbags that lower
our necks to the ground and keep us from lifting our eyes to see the wide
horizons Jesus has opened. This is why I constantly have to be reminded of the
full gift of the Gospel: Jesus has paid for my freedom today. No more
constraints, no oppression: He has bought for me ease and openness, boldness, unrestricted
use of His grace and power and resources, and even the improper familiarity to
lift my hands in blissful gratefulness before the Almighty Creator of the
Universe—my Father.
As we keep on meditating on and
celebrating freedom this month,
let us remember everyday in the middle of our routines or the pauses of
vacations that freedom is available and it is meant to liberate us from a
stifled and dark environment to an outlook of life and joy abundant.
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