Freedom
By Elizabeth Cole
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
I was playing freeze tag with some girlfriends a couple of
months ago. Can you see it? Grown women of various ages (and stamina) racing
and loudly shouting in Dickten Park. Dodging “it” as she approached to freeze.
Seeking just the right moment to zigzag over to the frozen friend, releasing
her with a touch for movement again. Finding breath and energy sapped to the
point whereby “it” had no problem catching and freezing. Hoping against hope
that someone somewhere still had enough air left to rush in and free us.
I was startled at how exhilarating it was to be “unfrozen,”
able to run again freely. I was also surprised at the feeling of helplessness
when frozen, unable to do anything to release myself.
As we live in this Advent season, there is an undercurrent of
freedom, isn’t there? The Christmas carol “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
begins with these words:
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
The Savior born in the manger was about our freedom. Freedom
to be in relationship with Him. Released from the paralyzing “frozen-ness” that
comes from the weight of guilt and fear and shame and secrets and sin. Set free
to live life as He intended it.
Oh my… it’ll take your breath away as surely as if you’d run
the whole of Dickten Park, when you consider the kind of exhilarating love that
stoops to a stable to set you free.
Shout it out, beloved, you’re free!
GOING DEEPER:
- Take a moment today to step away from holiday
planning and breathe in deeply the fact that you are set free. Articulate
the difference it makes in your life…today. Reflect on the words in “Come,
Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”
- If you are living as if you are still
“frozen,” what steps could you take today to live in the freedom Jesus
gives?
FURTHER READING:
Elizabeth is a
wife with three grown daughters and two sons-in-law, and is the Director of
Connecting at Oakwood Church.
