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. - Galatians 5:1 NIV
On May 2, 1968, Aretha Franklin released the song "Think." If you have ever watched the Blues Brothers (1980) movie, it's the song she sings in the diner when Jake and Elwood show up to recruit her husband for the band. In an abusive relationship at the time, with her then-husband Teddy White, Aretha sings about freedom for women. The song also resonated with the civil rights movement as an anthem of freedom from oppression.
Sadly, abusive relationships still exist, and injustice and inequality are still significant issues. We are sinners, and as long as we choose to live in sin and reject God's offer of salvation, they will continue to be problems. Sin does not bring freedom; sin brings only sorrow and pain.
However, Christ has set us free. We have a song we can sing because our souls have been delivered from the bondage of sin and death. It is not a "one and done" experience, though; we need to remain free; we cannot return to our old sinful ways. We are to shrug off the collar of slavery to sin and keep it off! As we grow in relationship with Christ, we take on a different yoke. We no longer walk alone, but he is with us. When this happens, attitudes and hearts change, and we can attain true freedom through God's grace.
God, we are thankful for the sacrifice of your Son, who set us free from slavery to sin and death. Please help us to stay strong against temptation and share your message of true freedom with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
