Tuesday Truth Galatians 5:1

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

This verse struck me recently. The first sentence seems like such a simple statement, but as a former prisoner, once bound by my own choices of sin and death, being free carries a different weight of glory for me.

It is for freedom…

that Christ has set us free.

First of all, this is just so good that we have to say it again- He came to SET. US. FREE.

He (perfect Christ Jesus) came to this broken/sinful/messy world from His heavenly seat next to the Father. And the reason? He came to this world to pay a high price for our souls- to set us free, and make a way back to the Father.

Free from what?

• Free from the hold of sin, (Col. 2:15)

• free from fear/worry/anxiety, (Phil. 4:6-7)

• free from shame, (Isa. 54:4-5)

• free from the things that try to drag us back into the life that we once lived (before we realized just who/whose we are). (Heb. 10:16-18)

And what is asked of us in this particular verse? Stand firm. It does not say that we should be prepared to strive and fight for all we are worth. No. It instructs us to stand firm and, simply, not be weighed down by the “yoke of slavery.” This is a beautiful reminder that the battle is not ours, but it belongs to the Lord. It does not mean that things will be easy. It does mean that He surrounds us with favor as a shield, and promises to NEVER leave us.

Thanks be unto God for this indescribable gift.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for for sending your Son so that we could be free. Thank you that we do not have to strive for this freedom, but simply accept the gift that you offered. Thank you that we can walk in this freedom to love those around us as you first loved us.

We love you,