Pastor's Ponderings, August 7, 2017

Jesus Has Made Us Free

Matt Stevens wrote an article in the August 6, 2017 New York Times entitled, “Kidnappers Plotted to Sell British Model Online, Italian Police Say.”  This is horrific and disturbing on so many levels and it shows man’s inhumanity to man is rapidly evolving.  One of the most chilling lines in the article was, “Investigators said the 30-year-old Polish citizen had previously organized similar online auctions in which he advertised abducted young women for sale as “prey.”

There is another kidnaper, the devil, who also goes about the world seeking prey (2 Timothy 2:26).  But thank God, we serve a God that has freed us from the clutches of the evil one and we do not have to be entangled into his slavery (Galatians 5:1).  We are no longer condemned to a life of addictions, destructive habits, or wicked lifestyles (Romans 8:1-2).  Many of us are slaves to various sins from which we would love to be free. But Jesus has already set us free (John 8:34, 36). 

Not only are we free from sin, but we also have been set free from sickness and disease.  Yes, some will be delivered from their sickness or disease in heaven, but Jesus wants us above all to be in health as our soul prospers (3 John 2).

Let us remember that while the devil goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy (1 Peter 5:8), we serve Jesus who rose from the dead with all power and authority (Matthew 28:18). With His power and authority, He has set us free from the devil’s snares of sin, sickness, and disease so we can freely serve our Liberator.  Free at last, thank God, we are free at last!

2 Timothy 2:26
New International Version (NIV)

26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Galatians 5:1
New International Version (NIV)

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Romans 8:1-2
New International Version (NIV)

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death

John 8:34, 36
New International Version (NIV)

34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

3 John 2
New International Version (NIV)

2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

1 Peter 5:8
New International Version (NIV)

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Matthew 28:18
New International Version (NIV)

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.