Set Free!

God is in the liberating business. We find in the scripture these words, “…ye have been called unto liberty.” (Gal 5:13)

We have not been set free only to be in bondage to sin or to a system of belief. When the nation of Israel was repatriated to Zion, the Psalmist declared:

“The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.” (Psalm 126:3) 

We are set free by the hand of God! Jesus said:

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

If you have called on the name of Jesus, you know the truth and now you are free! God has “done great things” for you and will continue to do great things for you as you follow after Him.

God has Carved out a Path For Us.

What a powerful observation! The words, “The Lord hath done great things for us” is for the children of God. God has not left His people here to “work out” their destiny but has paved a path for us to follow. “The Lord has done great things for us” are not the words uttered by someone seeking relief from their woes and troubles but from the mouths of people who have been recipients of God’s personal intervention that has changed the course of their lives.

When they speak of the condition of their life, the testimony offered up by many of God’s divine deliverance is not “praise God” but “this is the cross I must bear”. How sad it is to see fellow followers of Jesus live in defeat and doubt of God’s personal involvement and intervention in their lives.

The Path to Victory

The only cross we must bear is the cross of Jesus. Not as some form of penance but to bear the cross of Jesus is the path to victory.  Jesus said to the ones who would be His disciples, “….If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mat 16:24)

We who have received the salvation of God through the gospel of Jesus should not only be willing but eager to seek the purpose of God for our lives. Notice, Jesus did not say to take up His cross. For no one could carry the cross of Jesus that brought redemption to all who would call on His name.

Self-Denial is the Key

Jesus said if you are to follow after Him you should “deny” yourself and “take up” your own “cross” and then you can “follow” Jesus. Self-denial, as we seek to find our place in God’s work, is how you see the “great things” that God is doing for us.

The last words of Psalm 126:3 states, “whereof we are glad.” When we live our lives serving the Saviour, the followers of Jesus are glad and filled with joy. Jesus said:

 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)

Look for the Hand of God

As followers of Jesus we should be eager to lose ourselves more than finding ourselves; more set on the cross we are to carry than the troubles and problems in our life. We should look for the hand of God as He works in our lives and not just “bear our cross” as we live out God’s purpose for our lives.  

Brothers and sisters, are you a joyful follower or are you just “bearing your cross?” Look up for the help of the Saviour and you will be glad. Jesus will give you joy in your life if you will only seek to serve Him.