We picked what we thought was going to be a short and simple kid’s movie last night when the grands were visiting. Turns out it was quite the movie and we couldn’t quit watching it. They had to leave before it was finished, so we paused the movie and said our good byes. Then we had to finish it.
Based on a true story about a gorilla that was saved from poachers as a baby, the gorilla came to America and lived with a family as a pet until he was too big to handle in the home. He then went to live in a zoo inside a shopping mall, where it lived for 27 years without ever being out of the small cage. Finally, through the kind endeavors of people who visited the mall, he and the other animals were set free to live in much better surroundings. Truly he was free.
Now I know it’s crazy but God spoke to my heart through that movie as I wiped tears from my eyes. As believers we’ve been set free. But do we really know it? Because of the work of Jesus on the cross and through the resurrection, we’ve been set free from the penalty and power of sin. This is nothing short of amazing! And one day we will be set free from the presence of sin!
But God speaks this morning again – Jesus made a way for you to be set free. And it’s more than powerful. You and I were like captives who had no way to set ourselves free from anything. But you beloved, are so free today! If you have put all your hope in Jesus, He indeed die for you. But He also rose free from the grave for you! Smothering and smoldering in the enemy’s camp. Just like that baby gorilla, Someone has saved you. But not saved you to go into another captivity! And precious one, your life is so precious to the Lord, that He set you free to be more than! More than a conqueror, more than a prisoner, more than a captive, more than depressed, lonely, rigid, troubled and desperate. You get to live a free life and you get to walk with Jesus, your Freedom Giver, forever! You’re not the sum of earth’s troubles and groanings because of evil. You are an ambassador of freedom for living!
Oh beloved, in times like these, it’s wonderful to know that one day we all will be set free from the presence sin in heaven. But through the power of Holy Spirit within us, we have real freedom even now! Run to the Father this morning and thank Him for this magnificent freedom. You are the true story of life, liberty and favor! And live, precious free believer, in the Light of God’s holy resurrection power!
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners