Free at Last
God's original design is for a life of freedom. Learning to live in the truth is the key opening the door to the life God designed for you.
“Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give...Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.”
Exodus 25:2, 8, 16-17, 30, 40
Exodus is a book about how God teaches people how to live out life after Egypt. Life after slavery and bondage. God performed miraculous feats then gave manna from heaven as he led the people in the wilderness. Then He gave them truth as a foundation to live out their new found freedom. What truths does He share?
Truth says God is generous to us and He wants us to be generous as well. Truth says there is a cost in following God that demonstrates our trust and the true state of our hearts. God loves a cheerful giver and knows it is better to be a giver than taker. Love is an invitation to live in the truth that generosity is part of kingdom living.
How do you feel about giving back to God? When we learn we are stewards of our resources we are free to let our possessions lose their grip on our hearts. Generosity frees our hearts.
“We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. As for me, I will declare this forever"
Psalms 75:1, 9
The Bible says we are made to worship. David lived out the truth in his life that praise set his heart free. Why did he write so many songs? Because of the joy and intimacy he felt writing songs of praise. Do you feel near to God today? How much time have you spent praising Him?
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."
Proverbs 24:3-4, 14, 26, 32
Truth says there are beautiful treasures that you can inherit. These treasures cannot be bought, but are part of your inheritance as a child of God. What fills the hearts and homes of people who love Jesus? Peace, love, patience, self-control, kindness, goodness, gentleness, connection, purpose, and freedom. Which of these would you like more of in your life?
“Why has the land been ruined and laid waste like a desert that no one can cross? The Lord said, “It is because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed me or followed my law. Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts...but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord."
Jeremiah 9:7, 12-14, 24-26
Truth says we all fall short of God's glory. You are not perfect, I am not perfect. Only Jesus was perfect. Truth says there are consequences when we turn our backs on God and have stubborn hearts. There is no freedom when we live in the false or follow the lies of fear spoken by the enemy. Is there anywhere you are stubborn? How would speaking the truth about God, boasting in his kindness, help soften your stance on stubborness?
“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”...Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life...You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one...Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:3-7, 10-12, 15, 23, 29, 31-32, 34-36, 42, 44-45
Jesus only speaks in truth. Healing only comes when we are honest and align our lives with the truth. What truths emerge from this passage? Jesus did not come to condemn but to save. Imagine how the woman must have felt when she faced certain death only to have Jesus set her free with the words of wisdom and grace.
Let us not fool ourselves. We have no place to judge the woman or judge others. We all are sinners in need of a savior to speak truth to our lives and set us free. What is the most important truth? Jesus is the Savior and He came to free us from the life of sin so that we could walk in the light. He puts a simple condition on the new life He offers. He says if you will hold fast to my teaching. He knows our minds and hearts have a tendency to drift. He knows we have an enemy to our lives who speaks lies and loves to make us afraid. Hold fast Jesus says. Hold fast to the truth and the truth will set you free.
How do we hold fast? Stay close to Him. He only speaks in truth. The more time you spending reading the Bible, praising and worshipping, creating space to hear the Holy Spirit, and creating patterns to deepen your personal relationship with Him the more you will find freedom. Where would you like freedom? Start by asking Jesus if there is anything false you are believing and then listen to the truth He speaks to your heart knowing that the truth will set you free.