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Freedom

By j jones

Imagine having all of the Bible stories happening all at the same time, in your local area, like a "Greatest hits" event. Faith of Abraham, miracles of Moses, worship of David, dream interpretation of Daniel, obedience of Ezekiel, prophesy of Isaiah, wisdom of Solomon, Paul standing firm in persecution and the revelation of John. You'd need to add a good measure of love to keep everything on track, but what a sight that would be. Jesus embodied all these things and said that WHOEVER believed in Him would do the works He did and even greater things. How? Because He was sending the Helper. Each of the great heroes of faith had one thing in common. The Holy Spirit. None of their great deeds were done apart from Him. The Holy Spirit is the one who turns hearts towards Jesus, who teaches the truths in the word. He convicts, encourages, comforts and empowers. He grows love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in those who say yes. He showers beautiful gifts on His people to be used to share the love of the Father.

Yet despite this, there's a great mistrust of the Holy Spirit. It's devastatingly sad. While His works are celebrated, He is not. 

Where the Spirit is, there is freedom. But from what? What's holding you captive, keeping you locked up emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally? That's the freedom He has for you. Freedom into wholeness, fullness, faith. Freedom to experience the abundant life Jesus talked about.

Are you scared of this kind of freedom? Laying down the fear of man that has kept you safe since you were a toddler? I am. Conforming and keeping within the invisible structures of society and culture are good things, aren't they? If rules or rebellion were the only options, I'd choose rules. The freedom the Holy Spirit offers is neither of these. The ability to see things from an eternal perspective changes everything. Imagine having your heart so fixed on pleasing God that you had no room for people pleasing. Sounds selfish and irresponsible? Didn't keeping His eyes fixed on the Father mean Jesus fed, taught, healed and loved those around. There's nothing selfish or irresponsible there. This is the Freedom of the Holy Spirit, the ability to see beyond the smallness the world has to offer, an opening of eyes to see what living by faith produces - the impossible! Walking on water, parting seas, stopping storms, raising the dead, healing every disease. None of these things are possible, while minds and spirits are controlled by human logic.  

We have come to a time when Jesus is again spitting out the lukewarm. It's a scary thought. The season of containment is ending. "Fill me, Holy Spirit" should only be prayed by those willing to let Him loose! The idea shakes me to my core. Laying down understanding, dignity, reputation and protection mechanisms is costly. Being seen as one who carries Jesus costs even more.

 But the Holy Spirit is Good!

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”


 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.


But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.


 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.

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