JESUS SPEAKING
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say you will be made free?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever. Therefore if the son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8: 31 – 36)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Although slavery was commonly practiced in the ancient world, the men Jesus was speaking with weren’t slaves. As free men, they didn’t understand that they were actually slaves to their own sinful appetites. Sin is often a far crueler taskmaster than any man wielding a whip. So many people are ruled over by their individual addictions; some are addicted to drugs and alcohol; some to pornography and sexual promiscuity; others are in bondage to cigarettes, gambling, food, video games, and money, etc. Still, no matter how vast the number of sins might be, Jesus Christ has been setting people free from them for nearly 2000 years.
One day I visited Venice Beach. As I journeyed passed the shops and street performers, I encountered a young couple. They were homeless; their hair was tangled and matted; their clothes were riddled with holes; and despite being raised in the United States, they spoke with a fake Jamaican accent. They were practicing the Rastafarian religion; a religion that promotes the spiritual use of marijuana. Their bondage to the drug was so powerful that they had willingly abandoned who they actually were; preferring instead to adopt an entire identity that would enable them to continue smoking cannabis without conviction. Although they believed themselves to be free, they were in fact slaves; slaves whose master had taken nearly everything away from them. I shared my testimony with the couple; informing them of how God had relieved me of my addictions and transformed my life. I would like nothing more than to tell you that they received the message and were reborn; but I can’t. I can only pray that they eventually committed themselves to the Lord and were set free.
If you’re in bondage to some sin, turn to Jesus Christ and he’ll relieve you of your burdens. He will set you free from your addictions and heal your mind, body, and spirit. Invite him in to your heart and he will guide you, protect you, and transform you. Only through the blood of Jesus can you experience true freedom and everlasting peace. [Note: If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior and would like to be set free, contact me and we can discuss how you might make that decision today.]
“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be set free from the bondage of sin and death. Heal our hearts and minds; give us hope. Relieve our addictions and destroy our fleshly desires. May we serve You in sincerity of heart and never stray from the righteous path. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 