Dear Family,
Today is Thursday, April 17, 2025. This is Day 5 of Week 1 in our Counting toward Pentecost.
There is much in the Bible (Old and New Testaments) about bondage, about slavery, and about freedom. And, it has been easy for casual Bible readers to become confused about these ideas through the centuries.
Philosophers, preachers, politicians, sociologists, and other professionals have spoken and written profusely on their ideas of bondage and freedom. And, indeed, there are many dimensions of freedom. There is a “freedom from” and a “freedom to.” There is “freedom within” and “freedom without.” There are other types of “freedom,” also.
Some have taught that “freedom” means lack of interference or restraint from doing whatever it is we want to do. Some feel that “freedom” is an unhampered self-determination. But, can any of these specific ideas really be so?
During these DUB, as we review the Scriptures involving the great Exodus from Egypt and other passages about slavery/freedom, we have an opportunity to ponder the “freedom” truths found in the Bible.
While ancient Israel was made free, in a literal sense, from the physical bondage and affliction of the Egyptian slavery, today, we realize that God’s real concern is for our complete spiritual freedom, because it leads us toward eternal life.
Even with ancient Israel, God’s purpose in freeing His people was so that they might serve Him.
Exodus 8:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
We come out of the slavery of sin and take God’s YOKE (paradoxically, a symbol of our “spiritual” freedom) upon ourselves. We become His dedicated, faithful SERVANTS. And, we begin living a life of “freedom to” live, love, and serve God and others as our Savior has done. In time, God brings forth the good fruit of His own divine nature within us. He makes us His true Sons.
Matthew 11:28-30 (28) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Whatever it is that “freedom” means, our Savior has provided for it! He has paid ALL that is necessary! Yes, when the Son makes us FREE, we are FREE indeed! That is one of the greatest pieces of good news we can ever hear!
John 8:31-36 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Brethren, thank God that WE ARE FREE INDEED! And, now that we are a FREE people, we SERVE the Living, Sovereign God!
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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