Two things can help you, and I change any challenge (problem or difficulty) into an opportunity for freedom and growth!

• • • Hold onto the greater PLAN that is GOD
    • Remind yourself that every chain is for your freedom!

Let me tell you how these two things will change your perspective on things. All that is has been made possible through Jesus. 

What He did, still does and continues to do for us is what changes everything in our lives. Here are the three truths that should make you victorious and experience freedom every day. 

 

Jesus is our Atonement 

 

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:2, NIV). Jesus played the role of a scapegoat as well as the one to be sacrificed (about Leviticus 16).

That means God forgives us every time we have Jesus in our lives. In other words, when God looks at us, He sees His beloved Son and His blood covering us (Exodus 12).

The angel passed over Israelites’ homes because they had the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. What Jesus did on the cross has brought us into full communion with God and God’s people of all times.

With Jesus in us, God sees Himself when He looks at us. 

 

 

Jesus makes things work according to God’s Plan

 

The whole idea of crucifixion was not just something the Sanhedrin (religious leaders during the time Jesus was on earth) plotted against Jesus.

It was God’s plan for Jesus to die for us. Pilate thought that he had authority to release Jesus. But, Jesus reminded him that He had power over His fate, which was given to him from above (John 19: 10-11).

God was in control when Jesus was born and when He died. Pilate was an instrument for the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for us. Jesus came to make it all possible. 

Therefore, through Jesus, all things work for our good according to the bigger plan, God’s plan (Romans 8:28).

 

Jesus gives us the strength to face anything or anyone

 

Jesus had no fear of facing the Sanhedrin (Jewish religious leaders), Pilate and even death because He Himself is GOD!

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The 3 truths above set us up for our freedom. Out of this freedom, we can grow and be the best of who God has always intended us to be in our everyday living.

 

Bringing it altogether

Freedom is available for anyone. The way we can access it is through faith in Jesus Christ, which doesn’t mean only to believe in what He can do. It’s more importantly about how willing we are to give Jesus space in our everyday living to rule over us, lead and guide us.  

This reflection was adapted from the sermon, Chains of Freedom, in the series, Final Hours of Jesus on Earth I delivered at the United Methodist Church in Harris and Lake Park on March 6, 2016