“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36 (NIV).
When we speak of slavery, many people are revolted, because of the way the system used to exploit those who were under captivity. A slave is ever bonded to serve his master and has no other obligations other than pleasing him. Slaves would serve under a heavy rod and yet would not be paid for their services.
Fortunately, this horrible practice was abolished in 1833 in England; in the US in 1864; until it was completely declared by virtually all nations as illegal. Yes, there are still places where human beings are owned and tasked to do jobs for their owners for free, but the practice is most rare to find nowadays and prohibited under international law.
But while slavery was long abolished, yet, fact is, there are also other forms of slavery that have since substituted and are still with us today. Have you realized that someone could be a slave to money, his job, a car, or some fanciful possession? In this case the person lives to serve that thing which is taking his entire pre occupation. Just like with slavery, the person, has no other life but serving that thing which is his sole object in life.
One of the privileges we have attained in the Christian life, is freedom. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Gal 5:6). Paul had observed that in spite of their new found freedom in Christ, certain believers were getting trapped into all sorts of laws, living as though Christ had never set them free!
It is a sad thing when someone who has been set free returns to his gallows in spite of the price and sacrifices it took to set him free. As believers we ought always be conscious of this freedom and live to avoid all sorts of entanglements which can lock us back into slavery. As Psalm 119:45, says, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts”
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, creator of heaven and earth, I want to thank you for the freedom I have in you, which was bought by the precious blood of your son Jesus Christ, and today I pray to walk in that freedom!
Related upcoming events
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20/04/2024 - 21/04/2024 All day“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Cor 16:13)
Tourists who happen to visit Bukingham palace will be expected to notice the King’s royal guards. Dressed in colorful often red uniforms and adorning tall black helmets they stand on guard and no one dare cross them. Elsewhere in life we find guards in all manner of places quite firm on deterring any intruder wherever they may be.
For us Believers being on constant guard is a calling we must permanently observe. And why? Once in the course of his work, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mathew 16:23). Peter had just protested that he would not deny Jesus only to be sported out!
There is something for us to note here. Satan had penetrated the ranks of Jesus and was going through his closest disciple. It is clear that Peter was not even aware that he was being used. Anyway, he found his target, Jesus, was on guard. Immediately Satan was sent packing.
No Believer is immune to attacks from Satan. After all when once the Lord asked Satan his whereabouts: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). Clearly the guy is out there 24/7 looking for whom to devour. “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you have warned us to be on “guard” help me ever to be on the watch out for the attacks of the enemy and with your word rebuke Satan, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
