SCRIPTURE For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
THOUGHT Almost a week ago, we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, and you may have already forgotten it, but I just want to hold up a little story in memory of the patron saint of Ireland because I think it’s a powerful picture of how redemption can work that has little to do with our current celebration.
First, he wasn’t even Irish; he was English.
Patrick’s first brush with Ireland was his capture and forced slavery there around the tender age of 16. After his escape six years later, he returned home to England, miraculously desiring to become a priest. His subsequent journey to Ireland was nothing less than a mission for Christ. He returned to the land of his oppression standing firm in his freedom, tirelessly teaching others how to be free from spiritual oppression, and resisting the yoke that bitterness and vengeance could well have placed around his shoulders.
Although your story may not be as dramatic as Patrick’s, you probably have a story or two about being released from spiritual captivity; I know I do. Enslaved to a desperate need for approval, I received healing from childhood wounds seeking to control my life and shut down the good work to which God had called me. How broken I was, and how sweet the freedom of yoking up with Jesus tastes. Other yokes tempt me, however, like bitterness, vengeance, legalism, or perfectionism. So in my own story of redemption – as I’m certain Patrick must have – I’ve become a freedom fighter, guarding diligently what has been purchased at such a cost.
It is for freedom that Christ has set me, and you, free. Can you feel it? And can you stand firm in it, even turning around to the land of your captivity and helping others become free?
PRAYER Jesus, thank you for fulfilling the prophesy of Isaiah by proclaiming liberty to captives and those who are oppressed. Your freedom is both costly and sweet.
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