Imprisoned with Us

Jesus lived among us to show us the way back to God. He conquered the mess sin made in Eden and cut the shackles that held God’s image-bearers.

Click here to listen to this devotional written and narrated by Mary Harker.

I wear a bracelet that reads, “Imprisoned with them,” which accompanied a book entitled Imprisoned with ISIS by Petr Jasek. He went to Sudan to encourage the persecuted Christians there. The government detained him at the airport while he was boarding the flight home, charging him with espionage, warring against the state, and undermining the constitution. They imprisoned him on those false charges for 445 days with members of ISIS.

The bracelet reminds me to pray for persecuted Christians worldwide, while also serving as a poignant reminder of the suffering Jesus endured during His time on earth. He gave up everything in His heavenly home and dwelt with us. Jesus imprisoned himself with us, became an alien and ambassador, coming to accomplish His Father’s mission, and experienced the same life that we do. The same sins that entangle us tempted our Savior, yet He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). Despite being blameless and perfect, He, too, was persecuted, but beyond anything we could ever imagine.

“Instead, he [Jesus] gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8, NLT).

Jesus lived among us to show us the way back to God. He conquered the mess sin made in Eden and cut the shackles that held God’s image-bearers. Because of His sacrifice on the cross, we are free to come confidently and boldly before God and receive mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16). Sin no longer needs to control us.

Common Temptations and Sins

Sometimes we have a distorted view of the freedom we have in Christ. We may see that freedom as a barrier that prevents us from thoroughly enjoying life. Like Eve, we view God’s restrictions as hindrances to our enjoyment instead of protective guardrails. Lies from the enemy cause doubt about the goodness of our heavenly Father. Here are some examples:

·        Our anger against a sister is justified.

·        Sharing that juicy tidbit about a brother in Christ will hurt no one.

·        The innocent friendship with a married co-worker is nothing more than harmless flirtation.

·        No one will know what I do behind closed doors.

Our freedom does not justify actions that displease God.

Even as I write this, fear and doubt entangle my thoughts and threaten to choke out God’s creativity. However, God’s Word reminds me that He gives strength to the weary, and I will fly like an eagle if I trust Him. As I look out my window, a hawk gracefully glides on the wind and reminds me that God sustains and provides. Fear and doubt have no hold over me.

The snares that can entrap us are less enticing when we keep our eyes on Jesus. When we gaze at Him, the things of the world lose their grip, and we rise above to see the freedom God gives. Strength comes when we lean on Him and allow Him to carry us.

Jesus also frees us from the pitfall of legalism. We don’t need to earn our way to heaven or God’s approval. Nothing we do makes Him love us any more or lessens His affection toward us. So, we can be confident in God’s everlasting commitment to us—He will never leave us or abandon us. 

When we determine to keep our eyes on Jesus, we also find freedom from striving to measure up, meaning we need not compare ourselves to others. God has given us unique gifts and talents that the world needs. We can’t fit into someone else’s spot. Each of us, like puzzle pieces, has a distinctive place with a perfect fit for our aptitudes and contributions. As God’s creation, we have worth and purpose.

For me, the most incredible freedom Jesus gives is eternal life. Death has no power, and there will be no more tears or pain. God will make all things right, and His light will shine forever. Jesus will host the marriage supper of the Lamb (see Revelation 19).

Jesus brings rest and freedom for today and eternity. Let’s celebrate and be grateful.

Connect with Mary Harker

https://maryjharker.com/

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