The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son [and daughter] [have] a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8: 35, 36, NRSV (The New Oxford Annotated Bible)
Dear Savior, as we look into your Word may we claim the freedom that You offer us, for Christ’s sake. Amen
To a great extent, freedom is a state of mind. I have encountered people walking around who are virtual prisoners! They are prisoners of habit, of negative self-talk, of other people’s opinion, of guilt, of what could have been. On the other hand, I have heard of others, and even met some, who were behind bars, but were free. They were free to serve Jesus, free to forgive and to accept forgiveness, free to forget the past, free to live the abundant life!
What seems to make the difference? The Bible states that to whosoever we yield ourselves servants to obey, we become their servants, whether for good or for evil. It is a matter of choice. If we choose to accept all the negativity the world and others toss at us: “you are too fat,” “too skinny,” “too old,” “too pale,” “too dark;” guess what, we become prisoners, or worse, slaves, to their opinions. On the other hand, if we choose to walk in the freedom Christ offers us in His Word, we become His slaves.
Becoming a slave of Christ is barely illustrated in the following story: He was up for auctioning, a big, black, robust, healthy, angry-looking, slave. As bidder after bidder came to feel his muscles and look him over, he would make his intentions known: he was not going to work for any slave master! One by one, they became discouraged and walked away without making a bid. Finally, an elderly, well dressed man, pleasant in appearance, approached and started the bidding. He made a bid so high that no one even dared to challenge it. The gentleman paid for the slave and rode away, with his newly purchased slave protesting vehemently, assuring him that he was not going to work. The man said nothing.
After they had been riding together a while, the gentleman pulled up his carriage in front of a beautifully painted cabin, with a flower garden in the front, and nicely ironed curtains hanging in the windows, and said: “Here we are. This is yours. You can live in it, or you are free to go your way.” Completely caught off guard, and not knowing what to say, the slave finally exclaimed, “What do you mean, I am free to go my way? You just bought me!” “Yes,” replied the gentleman, “I bought you to set you free.” With tears streaming down his cheeks, the robust black slave fell on his knees before his master and said: “Then I will serve you for the rest of my life.”
Jesus did this and much more for us, when we, in our sinful state, were at the mercy of “the highest bidder.” He made an offer so amazing, so utterly wonderful, (His precious Blood) that even to this day it has never been, and never will be, matched! But He bought us, not only to set us free. Are you ready for this? He bought us to make us His sons and daughters! He wants to give us a permanent place in His household! Precious promise! Wonderful Redeemer!
Doesn’t such love make you want to serve him for the rest of your life? If you have never given Him your heart, won’t you do it today? Such love can only be responded to, with love in return! If you made a decision for Jesus, please let me know. I would love to provide you with literature that will help you to grow in Christ. Blessings!