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 common in the ancient world, the men Jesus spoke with were not slaves. Rather, being free men, they had failed to understand that they were slaves to their own sinful appetites. Sin is often a far crueler taskmaster than a man holding a whip. Even today, many weary souls are hopelessly ruled over by their addictions; some are in bondage to drugs and alcohol; some to pornography and sexual deviancy; while others are practicing deceit, lewdness, fornication, and idolatry; etc. And yet, no matter how vast the number of sins might be, Jesus Christ has been setting people free for nearly 2000 years.
One day I decided to visit Venice Beach; as I walked amidst the shops and street performers, I happened across 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 heavy Jamaican accent. They were practicing the Rastafarian religion; a religion that promotes the spiritual use of marijuana. Their bondage to the drug was so ferocious that they had adopted an entirely foreign lifestyle, simply to continue smoking marijuana without conviction. Although they believed themselves to be free, they were in fact slaves; slaves whose master had caused them to lose nearly everything. Thankfully, I was able to share with them about how God had transformed my life; how He had relieved me of my addictions. I would like to tell you that they immediately received the message and were reborn, but I cannot. I can only pray that they might someday accept Jesus Christ and been set free.
If you are in bondage to some sin, turn your life over to Jesus Christ and He will relieve your burdens. He will set you free from your addictions; He will heal your mind and cleanse your soul. Invite Him into your heart, and He will become your master; He will protect you; He will guide you; He will mold you and shape you into His own image. You will know true freedom. As the love of God fills your heart, you will also experience genuine gratitude and eternal 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; and give us hope. May our addictions be relieved, and may our fleshly desires be destroyed. May we serve You in sincerity of heart; may we never stray from Your paths of righteousness; and may we dwell in Your presence forever. 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 