Faith Journal
Keeping of our Faith journal involves a spirit filled journey embedded in faith, trust and hope. We’ll share prayers, thoughts, visions and dreams as we feel led by the Holy Spirit.
27/04/2022
Thought for the day Freedom day celebrations in South Africa
The cost of freedom
“So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” (John 8 v 31-32) [AMP]
While celebrating freedom day (in South Africa), we should not forget the price Jesus has paid to set us free from the penalty of sin, under which we all stand guilty, for we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3 v 23).
The true cost of freedom
Freedom always comes at a cost, and in many cases the cost can simply not be afforded. We were so indebted due to our rebellion and disobedience that we would never be able to fellowship with God the way Adam and Eve did, way back in the beginning.
Unless God intervened the way He did, by taking on human form, and accepting the condemnation of the people, I wouldn’t be able to sit here and write this journal. Fully man, yet fully God, Jesus brought a message and taught a truth, unlike any other. His teachings, revolutionary at that time, taught us that everyone could be free, whether bondservant or master, teacher or student…
Knowing the truth regarding this freedom was atainable by all people who were willing to obey the Lord’s teachings and prepared to follow Him, whether literally during His 3 1/2 year tenour, or through obedience to His teachings in the midst of our hectic lifestyle of the 21st century.
Absolute freedom
The true cost of freedom is not something that can always be measured. Consider how Jesus was punished for proclaiming to be the Son of God, offering forgiveness of sins, to those who accepted His saving grace. Was it only the number of lashes that He received from the Roman guard, being traded for Barabas, or perhaps even the 30 pieces of silver Judas received for giving up Jesus?
Regardless how we look at it, Jesus offered His life willingly, so “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3 v 15) [KJV]
He (Jesus) was still free to choose and even asked the Father, that if it were possible, He would let the cup pass from Him. (Mat 26 v 39) [paraphrase]
True freedom can only be found in the notion that a personal God, stepped in, knowing that we couldn’t reconcile with Him, through our own devices, due to our fallen condition and paid a price that all the money this world can print, couldn’t afford.
Through this selfless act, we can be free from the bondage of sin and all we need to do is accept His atoning death and resurrection. Are you willing to be set free from your past today? Come to the cross for “for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3 v 16) [NKJ].
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation”
