Key verses: So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2
Being free from “condemnation” is a powerful concept. Just think about all the condemning, criticizing and complaining that goes on in the world.
Just to name a few:
· The economy, the government, big business, greedy executives, . . .
· My church leaders, elders, pastors, volunteers, . . .
· My boss, co-workers, reportees, . . .
· My spouse, my kids, my parents, . . .
· My self, my habits, my attitude . . .
For us in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation. No condemnation. I read that statement in several ways. God does not condemn. We do not condemn. We are not condemned or condemning.
And how is that even conceivable? Because this “Spirit of life” has set us free from the law of sin and death – and the law of sin and death includes a condemning lifestyle.
Here’s to a life of freedom from condemnation – in all its forms.
Last night at the Youth Worship service we sang the song Love is Here. If you missed it you can watch a video here by the original artists, Tenth Avenue North.
I really like the line: “And to the bruised and fallen, captives, bound and broken hearted: He is here. He is here.”
Check out the video or go to this spot and read through the lyrics. Let that me you Lenten meditation for today.
Key Verse: For as the loincloth clings to one’s loins, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the LORD, in order that they might be for me a people, a name, an praise, and a glory. But they would not listen. Jeremiah 13: 11
Rotting underwear? The word translated “loincloth” is sometimes translated “linen belt.” As I understand it, the idea is the clothes worn closest to the body – or what I call “underwear.”
The prophet Jeremiah used some very interesting word pictures and metaphors in trying to get the attention of God’s people and urge them to turn back to God and away from sin and idol worship. And the rotten underwear is one of the best. But the verse that captured my attention is verse 15, which says that just like our most intimate apparel clings to our bodies , God designed us to cling to him. And as a result of clinging to and holding to and depending on God – we become God’s people.
Are we as a church clinging to God? Am I as a person clinging to God? Is my relationship as close and as intimate as this word picture depicts? If not, Jeremiah says we’ll end up like the underwear that was buried and hidden away – dirty and rotting and smelly.
Cling to God and develop that intimate connection.
Key Verse: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36.
Do you remember the final scene from the movie Braveheart – William Wallace’s final word from the chopping block: “Freeeeeee-dom!” People are willing to give up their lives for political freedom.
Jesus offers a different – and even better – type of freedom. This verse today is one to claim. Not just free, but “free indeed.” What kind of freedom does following Jesus’ way offer?
There are more I’m sure. Be set free – by the Son – free indeed.
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