No doubt all of us have experienced days when we felt as if we were in prison, many times cells of our own making: fear, grief, anger, and the list could go on. Isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus came to free us from all sins, even those of our own making? Freedom in Christ encompasses everything. We can find it everywhere in His Word.
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Imprisoned
Not everyone can enjoy the beauty of autumn such as we’ve had this year. Many people must sit in the isolation of a prison cell that restricts them from delighting in nature. To say nothing of losing their freedom of privacy and personal decision-making.
I used to minister to women in jail, which was not an easy task considering I’d never been imprisoned so I couldn’t relate to the angst that comes with loss of freedom. Conversely, the freedoms we enjoy in America, largely due to the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, mean that we can talk to whomever we wish by email, telephone, or personally. We can freely go where we want, vote for whom we choose, and worship where we want.
Prisoners do not share those freedoms. Law-breakers are jailed to protect society or themselves. Other people, however, are imprisoned because of their political or religious beliefs. For whatever reason, all prisoners deserve our compassion and our prayers.
Imprisonment can happen inwardly, too. Our bad habits, our negative emotions such as anger, hatred, and unforgiveness, and even our unresolved issues and emotional hurts from our past can keep us from the freedom of joy and peace that God offers.
Whether we’re imprisoned behind steel bars or emotional walls, we don’t have to remain so. God’s Word offers us freedom through Jesus’ death and resurrection. “If you abide in My Word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free … Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:31-32, 36)
The apostle Paul, although imprisoned for defending his faith in Christ, remained steadfast—even joyful—throughout. Though God delivered him from prison, Paul never doubted that He’d been freed from sin. His assurance compelled him to draw others to that same freedom. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage,” he wrote in Galatians 5:1.
Paul’s striking message is meant for us, too. We can enjoy the freedom that comes through faith in Jesus’ salvation, which releases us from the bondage of sin—even if we’re forced to sit in a jail cell for breaking the law or for our belief in Christ.
Lord, thank You for Your life-giving, life-changing gift of salvation which frees us from our sins. Thank You for the gifts of joy, peace, and hope. Cause us to remain in Your Word and presence so we never again experience spiritual imprisonment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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