freedom

One of the reasons I like to run is the feeling of freedom that accompanies it. It's not all about freedom. There's fatigue and some degree of muscle pain that always accompanies running...but somewhere in the middle of the experience there is a serenity of solitude and peace, surrounded by the beauty of nature. This seems to lead to appreciative thoughts of, and about, the Lord. So I pondered the word "freedom". Freedom is certainly at the heart of our country and its origins. People crossed oceans for the opportunities they could find here that were closed to them in their homeland. Freedom was the cry that led to our war of Independence. Freedom was the driving force that led to the Civil War and the emancipation of slaves. But, in our daily experience we may not always experience true freedom. There is an inner quality of freedom or bondage that needs to be frequently reviewed. Jesus said that He came to set the captive free. But freedom doesn't mean the absence of authority in our lives, but the establishment of the proper authority.

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John 8:

³¹ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

³³ "But we are descendants of Abraham," they said. "We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, 'You will be set free'?"

³⁴ Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. ³⁵ A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

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blessings to all who long for true freedom and the freedom of truth!

Rob Smith