choose freedom

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36, ESV

There are those who think freedom is something only Christians have a right to. But that’s not the way the Bible tells it. The Bible says initially God’s image-bearers (humans!) were given extraordinary freedom. The freedom to name the animals, enjoy companionship with each other, and spend quality time with the Father in a beautiful garden every day. Freedom is the birthright of every human being.

But there’s a problem. Our amazing heavenly Father gave us choice. And we chose to disobey and distance ourselves from him. Doing that led us to think and act in ways that didn’t line up with his best for us. We bound ourselves in pride, envy, hatred, small-mindedness, indifference, greed, racism, sexism… We opened our world to disease and decay. Even at our best - at our most generous, loving, kind and sensitive - we know, deep down, that there is something missing. We need help to become the people God intended us to be. We need help to be truly free.

That’s why the resurrection is the central fact of the gospel. The moment Jesus rose again he utterly defeated everything that keeps us captive. The cross became a cosmic restraining order against sin, death, sickness, lack, powerless… and much, much more.

Jesus’ story is the only story that starts and ends with us being loved unconditionally and able to live in total freedom. Jesus is the only one who guarantees us that freedom and to live in it we have to choose him - above everything else - every day. Choose freedom today. Choose Jesus.

Let's pray
Father God, thank you that liberty is my birthright. I choose to follow Jesus and live in the fullness of the freedom he offers me today. Help me not to take the gift of freedom for granted but to rejoice in it and use it to extend your Kingdom and bring glory to you.  Thank you that you have helped me become truly free. Amen.