The apostle Paul tells us that we were once in bondage under the things of the world, but because of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, through our faith in Him we become His children and are no longer slaves to the world. What a blessed gift of freedom from sin He has given us!
ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair
Slavery is a Heavy Weight that Christ Will Bear
When my knee gave out on Step 80 while hiking up to Honeymoon Bluff near the Gunflint Trail in Minnesota, I could not put any weight on that leg without intense pain. I had to rely on First Responders to help me down by letting them carry my weight. The beauty of my surroundings and the calmest air belied the storm of pain in my knee. So did my peaceful spirit, which I can only attribute to God’s mercy.
If this had happened earlier in my adulthood, I would have been stressed to my toes with fear. But experience in trusting God has helped me to accept whatever happens. Such an experience in trust didn’t come easily. At times I felt wrapped in chains of uncertainty and helplessness.
We all can become slaves to our thoughts and emotions at times: panic at the loss of a job, paralyzing grief when we lose a loved one, or fear and anger when we lose our property through fire or storm.
The good news is that God promises to walk us through whatever negatives come our way. He wants us to be free of any kind of pain. He wants us to let Him carry our weight. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
I could have fallen down that long, steep hill when my knee gave out. He would have been there with me regardless of the outcome. When we place our trust in His Word, we can know that He is with us, working for good through His higher purpose. When we look to Jesus and see Him alone—as His disciples did at His transfiguration atop a high hill—instead of the surrounding clutter, we can experience freedom from the slavery of seeing only the outside clutter.
Jesus never fails. We learn that truth by studying and meditating on His Word daily. We learn that truth by being consistent and persevering in our faith. And we learn that truth by taking steps—baby steps, perhaps—to expand that faith. Then comes His peace and freedom and joy.
Lord, thank You for the gift of faith that sets us free. Strengthen our will to remain in that freedom so we can turn away from the visible clutter and pain around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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