True Freedom
“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”1
A farmer was diligently working on reinforcing the animal pen, unaware that his young son was watching him closely. The farmer strengthened the beams that made up the fence and covered any weakened areas with netting so the animals could not escape. The boy then watched as his father walked into the pen and fed and watered the animals, then, one by one, checked them for injuries or wounds, and then gave the animals medicine if they were sick. The boy watched his father take his time with each animal, giving each his full attention and care. He could see that the animals trusted the farmer; but one thing puzzled the boy. As his father finished his chore, the young boy approached the pen and said to his father, “I can see you care for your animals, Dad, but if you really love them, why don’t you let them run free in the yard instead of keeping them cooped up?” The farmer thought about his son’s earnest question and said, “Well, son, as long as they are in the pen, I can look after them, I can make sure they have food and water, and I can give them medicine if they get sick, and the pen protects them from getting hurt. But if they were to roam free, they could get hurt, they might have difficulty finding food, and if they got sick, there would be no one to care for them. As long as they remain inside the fence, the animals are free to enjoy life without worrying about things that could harm them.”
God, too, gives us a kind of fence, similar to the one the farmer gives his animals. God has given us boundaries and commands in His Word for us to follow and obey. As long as we remain in God’s Word, we can live freely, without worry or fear. But we live in a time where freedom means that ‘I can live how I want and do what I want because it is my choice’. However, as followers of Christ, our freedom comes from obeying the voice of the Father. Jesus gives us the liberty to be free from sin and the bondage it can hold over us. In Him we are free to be the children He created us to be. When we remain close to the Father, He watches over us and cares for us, one by one. He can’t do that if we are roaming free and far from the safety of His loving arms.
Suggested Prayer:
Dear Lord, you desire for me to be free to live the life that you created for me. Too often I seek my own freedom and take my own liberties without realizing that in those times I am out of your care. Give me the desire to be close to you and live under the protection of your lovingkindness and in obedience to your Holy Word, In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1. John 8:36 (ESV).
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.