JESUS GIVES FREEDOM!

JESUS GIVES FREEDOM!

Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. —Ecclesiastes 4:1

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. —Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

            So sad, but oppression is this fallen world has always been and will be until the end of time.  From the murder of Abel by Cain shortly after sin entered the human race (Genesis 4:1-9; I John 3:12) to the existence of “human beings sold as slaves” toward the end of this age (Revelation 18:13).  So many tears have been shed because of sinful man’s oppression of others who sit in powerful positions and who will comfort those being oppressed?

            How painful it is, how discouraging it can be if one is alone.  Who is there to help?  But there is a good reward for labor when there are two.   Now one can lift up the other when he falls down.  One can help the other when he toils.  One can help the other when he is cold.  Once can help protect the other.  We are not meant to be alone.  When we have a friend life is easier and when we have a couple friends, life can be even better— “a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

            Satan is the ultimate oppressor and he uses many schemes to enslave people. 

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” —II Timothy 2:24-26

            But our Lord Jesus is the One who sets people free— Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” and “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:32-36).  Freedom comes when we adhere to the Word of God, not the word of man.  God’s Word is to be the final authority in our lives and then we will experience true freedom.

            I have heard many in prison say, “I’m glad I came to prison.  It is here that I called on Jesus and now I am truly free even when I am bound behind cement, bars and wire.”  Yes, brothers and sisters, fellow followers of Jesus, let us bring the message of Jesus to the oppressed so they can be set free even if their situation may not change.  Let us go to those who need to be encouraged, those who are without Jesus.  Oppression of the lost comes in many forms.  Satan is a schemer and Paul said, “For we are not unaware of his schemes (II Corinthians 2:11).  Let us be aware of Satan’s schemes and trust our Lord to work in and through us “to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).  Yes, Dear Father, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  Yes, so may it be! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QANH8MWuyaE