Series Introduction
So much of modern life is built on the simple idea that people should be free. But this has not happened by accident. The modern freedoms – of speech, thought, association and conscience – flow from ancient biblical ideas that begin with the claim that people are made in God’s image and therefore, should not be oppressed in a way that violates their intrinsic human dignity.
Today, in everything from our livestreaming, shopping, eating and travelling, there is more choice and limitless possibilities. However, our modern world has drifted from the biblical idea of freedom to the modern idea of autonomy. This devotion series will offer some scriptural anchors, encouragement and pathways to reclaiming true freedom and flourishing in a world that’s often distracted from what matters most.
Reflection: The longing for freedom
The Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian slavery is one of the greatest storis of freedom in the Bible. It represents not only God’s faithfulness and presence through their 430 years in captivity, but also his willingness to step in and liberate his people.
Each of us today struggle against various forms of slavery. It might be addiction to our phones, the pressure of social expectations, struggles with our eating, drinking or finances. If it’s something keeping us from the life God has for us, then it’s slavery and God wants us to be free from it.
The pathway out of slavery remains the same today as it was all those years ago. As the ancient Israelites did then, today we are called to reach out to God and to trust him with what enslaves us. Freedom might not come quickly or in the way we expect, but God’s promise to us remains unchanging. He will always be with us, and our relationship with him will overcome anything that enslaves us. We are already free.
Prayer:
Father, thank you that you are a God of freedom. I bring to you today the things in my life that I’m struggling to be free from. Help me to focus on my relationship with you so that I can freely worship you and follow you with everything that I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.