Wings of Prayer Devotionals

Isaiah 58:6 - Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

John 8:36 - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Every year on the Fourth of July, Americans celebrate their freedom. Initially, it was freedom from English rule under King George III, which had become intollerabe. Thomas Jefferson included certain "rights" in his definition of freedom, such as the equality of all men, and the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." In this case, freedom is seen as an action toward something. Freedom can also be an action away from something, as in freedom from slavery, oppression, confinement, etc.

Perhaps one of the earliest expressions of freedom in children is when, upon being told to do something by a parent or another child, the child declares, "You're not the boss of me!" The child is exerting autonomy, and the desire to control his own thoughts, actions, and deeds.

Some would say that freedom means doing whatever you want to do, without any limitations. But freedom without some degree of restraint or reciprocal limitation is anarchy. This is why governments establish constitutions and laws to govern their citizens, for to have freedom there must be order. In order for me to be free, my fellow man must also be free.

I remember in high school, a teacher telling us, "I have the freedom to swing my arm -- up to the point where it would connect with your jaw." What he was trying to teach us is that for me to enjoy MY freedom, it must not infringe on the freedom of another. For example, I have the right to play my TV/stereo/radio in my apartment; but my neighbor has the right to peace and quiet in his. So, I can play my radio as long as I don't crank up the volume to the point where it disturbs his peace. Likewise, I have the right to drive my car. But I must drive within the boundaries set by law -- following the speed limits, driving on the proper side of the road and in the correct lane of multi-lane highways, and obeying the other laws of the road. These laws are not meant to restrict my freedom, but to preserve it, and my life, while driving.

There is no area of life in which we do not have to follow some rules. In school, children must raise their hands to speak in turn or there would be chaos and no one would be able to learn. Whether in educational, governmental, medical, or business institutions, there must be protocols to keep order.

So it is with the Christian life. Some would argue that God's laws are too restrictive. I recently saw a quote which stated: "God's rejections are His protections." In other words, when God says no to our prayers or desires, He is protecting us from the consequences of things that might be harmful to us. If a little girl asks God to make her doll into a real baby, obviously He is not going to say yes because she isn't old enough to care for a real baby. Or suppose a man asks for a position of greater power at work. Since God knows that man's heart, He might say no if that power would go to the man's head and ultimately ruin him and those close to him.

The commandments function as a protective fence, not so much keeping us in and stifling our freedom, as keeping things out that would destroy it. Within God's boundaries, I have all the freedom in the world -- to grow, to express myself, to engage with others, as well as freedom from destructive actions and attitudes that would ultimately destroy me.

In Exodus, Moses led God's people out of the slavery and oppression they had suffered in Egypt. Yet, while he was on Mt. Sinai receiving the ten commandments from God, the people down below began to express their newfound freedom in inappropriate and destructive ways. They created the image of a false god from the very land they had just escaped, and engaged in gluttony and debauchery that led to many of them dying. When Moses instituted God's laws, order was restored and true freedom was enjoyed.

Freedom is precious. It must not be taken for granted, and it must be understood. For to abuse it, is to lose it.

Father, thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this great country of ours: the freedom to express our thoughts without fear of retribution; freedom to worship, to gather together for public meetings, to engage in educational opportunities and in business, to raise our families and pursue our dreams in relative peace. Thank you most of all for setting us free from the slavery and bondage of sin through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus. Help us to not take any of our freedoms for granted. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Research: Using a thesaurus, look up the words "free" and "freedom" and their synonyms. Then, using a concordance, look up Scriptures that talk about being free or how we are to use or express our freedom.

Reflect: In your journal, discuss how your research has expanded your understanding of what freedom is, and what it means to you. Have you been taking your freedom for granted? In expressing your freedom, have you infringed on someone else's? If so, what will you do differently now?

Reach out: Decide on one action you will take this week to express your freedom to do something. For example: write your senator or congressman and express your views on a current piece of legislation being discussed; write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about some local issue; express your freedom to worship by going to your house of worship this week; etc. Also, express your gratitude for freedom from something. For example: if you have given up smoking, express your gratitude to the person or group that helped you kick the habit; volunteer your time to comfort and encourage those who are imprisoned or confined because of chronic illness or old age; contribute to an organization that helps those who are not free from poverty, disease, and oppression, etc. Use your freedom of prayer to pray for those who are not free.

# posted by Donna B. Russell @ 2:42 PM