Called to Remain Free

Freedom. Whatever nation you come from, be it the USA, India, Canada, Mexico—people enjoy their right to freedom. Even animals love to be free.

But real and wholesome freedom is found only in Jesus Christ.

Apostle Paul encourages the Galatian church to maintain their freedom (Galatians 5:1). Although Paul is addressing freedom from the yoke of legalism, a child of God needs to always be aware of the various kinds of slavery the enemy uses to suppress spiritual growth.

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel lost their freedom at times—even though they were called to be a free and blessed nation (Genesis 12:1-3).

What lessons can we learn from them during their servitude in Egypt? Look at what the people of Israel did when they found themselves utterly helpless and bound:

1. They cried desperately to the God of their fathers (Exodus 2:23-25; Psalm 118:5). Only people who are able to discern the spirit of Pharaoh hovering over them and their children to enslave their thoughts, actions and life can pray so desperately. Let us be a church aware of these types of bondages, bothered about the cunning strategies of the evil one.
2. Through prayer, they activated the mood of Heaven (Exodus 2:23-25). Genuine prayers reach heavenly realms, and make God remember His covenant with His people.
3. Their cries moved God to come down with His fiery presence (Exodus 3). God was so concerned that He decided to come down and show Himself as a holy fire.

Our God is a Consuming Fire. He cleanses us of all impurity. His fire burns the physical, emotional and spiritual bondages the enemy had once bound.

Do you find yourself losing interest in praise and worship, prayer and the meditation of the Word? Lives are riddled with hurt and confusion due to unnecessary arguments between family members, friends and political, community and church leaders. The fiery presence of God can clean up the mess just as in the case of Israelites. The Fire of God empowers and emboldens the fearful and helpless in the church today.

Cry out for the fire of the Holy Spirit. For yourself, your children, your families and your church at large.

O Lord, I am desperate for a fiery encounter with You that I may live a life of freedom and victory in Christ Jesus!

Adapted from the sermon: “Called to Remain Free” by Pastor Thomas Cherian at ICA (August 12, 2018).

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