“Born Free” by Benedict Little

I remember, vaguely as a child, watching the movie, and hearing the soundtrack by the same name.  The film was based on book of same title (Joy Adamson) about raising a lion cub and setting her free.

“Born free, as free as the wind blows – As free as the grass grows – Born free to follow your heart – Live free and beauty surrounds you – The world still astounds you, each time you look at a star – Stay free, where no walls divide you – You’re free as the roaring tide, so there’s no need to hide – Born free, and life is worth living, but only worth living, ’cause you’re born free.”

This film, and even the song, still brings a lump to my throat every time. On a different, but similar note, our country (South Africa) celebrated “Freedom Day”, on the 27^th of April. This is a freedom of a different kind – Political freedom, or democracy.

As God’s people, we celebrate a FREEDOM of a different kind – freedom from the bondage to sin (Rom.8:31).  This is why Christ died, to set us free and release us from Captivity, which is symbolized by the Babylonian Captivity that the Jews endured in the Old Testament.  What then is the key to this freedom?

The path to True Freedom begins with RECOGNIZING where we are in our relationship with God. Jesus said, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” – Jn.8:32. The Pharisees were indignant! They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” – Jn. 8:33. They had obviously or conveniently forgotten the Babylonian Captivity that their forefathers had been a part of, about 500 years ago. Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.”

The path to True Freedom begins with REALIZING that we need a REDEEMER. Jesus was very clear about whom that person is. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” – John 8:36

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome about the bondage that was brought about by the “fall” of Adam, and how we were all affected by the sin of Adam.  “But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass [Adam], but much more has the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.  And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification… for if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” – Rom. 5:15 – 17.

In essence, we are unable to free ourselves – we have to be RELEASED.  Paul told the Romans, “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death – Rom.8:2.

Paul said, in referring to our spiritual death, burial, and resurrection [baptism], which is our rebirth, “For one who has died has been set free from sin” – Rom.6:7. This concept of being “born again” is authored by Christ Himself cf John 3:3-5. Through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ we are in a sense, “born free”, but at the same time, we are born into a relationship of RIGHTEOUSNESS.  Consider the words of the Apostle Paul, “and, having been set free from sin, [we] have become slaves of righteousness” – Rom.6:18.

Another blessing attached to being “born free” is that of a REWARD.  “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” – Rom. 6:22, 23. Jesus Himself tells us what the reward is for obedient faith. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him may not perish, but have eternal life” – John 3:16

We are warned however by the Scriptures to REGULATE our use of freedom.  The Galatians were reminded not to go back to the “Law” as the basis of salvation. “ For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery [to the Law of Moses] – Gal.5:1.  The Jewish Christians were reprimanded to, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He [God] has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” – Heb. 13:5

The Apostle Peter reproved the scattered community of Christians, saying, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” – 1Pe-2:16

Conclusion:  The democratic freedom that the secular world strives for is good, but the true freedom that Christ brings, is better, by far! The reason is that the former is temporary and fragile at best because it is governed by men. The latter is permanent and eternal, because it is given by God. Someone once said, “It is better to die for an ideology that will live, than to live for an ideology that will die.”

Christ did that for us, and thereby gave us free access into the grace by which we now stand! He knew there was no other way to redeem this world of weak and fallen people – for God so loved…

“You may never know the results of your actions, but if there are no actions, there can be no results” – Gandhi

 

Down From the Mountain

Several years ago I was given the opportunity to travel with some friends to Green River, WY.  I had never been that far north and longed to see that part of the United States.  I recall the scenery being unlike anything that I had seen before.  The rolling hills, the various types of shrubs and bushes were magnificent as I stood in awe of God’s wisdom and power.

One day we decided to make a couple of hour drive over to the Grand Teton National Forest in Jackson Hole.  I must admit that I had never hear of the Grand Tetons and was excited to see them for the very first time.  As we arrived the snow began to fall.  In a matter of minutes if went from a light, gentle snow to a heavy snowfall which instantly limited our view to only a few yards in front of us.  Ultimately, we were only able to see the base of the Teton Mountains.  Therefore we did the only thing we could do, we went into a local store and bought some postcards.

What is it about mountains that draw us to them?  Why do many have a deep sense of longing to travel great distances to see a large pile of rocks which seem to ascend high into the heavens?  We all have our different answers, but to me, I always feel closer to God when I am on (or even very near) the mountains.

Throughout history, mountains have stood as a symbol for unity or covenant with God’s people.  Think back to Abraham’s act of obedience through his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen. 22).  Remember the giving of the law on top of Mt. Sinai (Ex. 19-20) Elijah took on the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18).  Jesus was on a mountain when he delivered the “sermon on the mount” (Matthew 5-7).  Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray to God (John 17) and then is taken to a mountain which ultimately led to His death on Mount Calvary (Matt 27).

There have been so many great things which have occurred on top of the mountain.  But of all the mountaintop experiences, the one which really speaks to me we find in the beginning of Mark 9.  Here we find where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him up on the mountain and Jesus is transformed.  His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could clean them and there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

What would you have done?  How would you have reacted to this special event that Jesus wanted to share with you?  I often wonder how I would have reacted if I would have been there.  More than likely I would have remained silent due to the fear of saying the wrong thing.  But one thing is clear, this event was one of epic proportions that solidified in the hearts and minds of those men who Jesus claimed to be.

Often we mentally end this incredible account with Peter, James, John, and Jesus coming back down the mountain to rejoin the other disciples.  But we must not stop there…we must read on to (in my opinion) gain a very valuable life lesson.  As we continue reading in verses 14ff we learn that the other disciples are having a very difficult time healing a boy with an evil spirit.  We read in verse 16 where the crowd, disciples, and the teachers of the law are arguing as to why this boy wasn’t healed.

As I read this passage, all I can do is stop and scratch my head.  I strive to put myself into the sandals of Peter, James, John, and even Jesus to try to understand who they must have felt.  These four men had just come from the top of the mountain; where the glory of the Lord was revealed to them and as soon as they get back into the “real world” they find themselves amidst quarreling, possibly shouting, anger, confusion, disrespect and a whole list of other possibilities.  How sad is this scene?  How sad for these four men…

The more we meditate of this scene; I believe the more and more real it becomes for our own spiritual walk with the Lord.  How many times have we found ourselves in a mountain peak experience whether it is in a worship service; witnessing a new birth into Christ; a brother or sister who have repented and returned to the Lord; attending a retreat or spiritual seminar, etc. only to return to “normal life” filled with sin, anger, hatred, jealousy, or wrath?  If you have ever found yourself in this arena, you know how much it hurts.  So what do we do?

I would suggest we can learn three things about this experience.

1. We must strive to understand the purpose of our mountaintop experiences.

Mark tells us that Jesus “led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves.” The text does not tell us which mountain, some commentators have believed it to be Mt Tabor (not likely since there was a Roman fortress there at the time) – but it is more likely that it was Mt. Hermon which is the highest mountain in the whole region (9,400’).

But it was a place that was isolated, where they could be alone with God. In order to have intimate fellowship with God it is often necessary to seek seclusion from the world and its influences. The reason that we don’t experience mountaintop experiences more is because we are too caught up with what is going on in our lives in the here and no, and do not schedule time to be alone with God.

2.   We must strive to understand the privileges of our mountaintop experiences.

Luke tells us that the disciples are weary after the climb up the mount and evidently as Jesus prayed they fell asleep (Lk. 9:32). When they awoke it was to a very spectacular and surreal scene before their eyes.  These apostles have the privilege to witness (a) Jesus’ transfiguration (b) The prophets Elijah and Moses (c) a cloud overshadows them.  (This is the Shekinah glory of God – which was the visible symbol of the power and presence of God.) (d)  a voice spoke to them.  (As the cloud settled on top of the mountain, out of cloud booms the very voice of God saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!)

As Christians we today get to share in the same experience…not in a miraculous way but in a very practical way.  We too get to share in Jesus’ glory.  We get to be in the lives of the prophets like Elijah and Moses by reading, meditating, and studying their teachings.  We also get to hear the very voice of God through His Word and we can know that God is constantly overshadowing us with His love, mercy and goodness.

3.   We must strive to maintain the proper perspective of our mountaintop experiences.

Matthew in his account says that “When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified. (7) But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”(Matt 17:6-7) Initially the disciples were overwhelmed, stunned and frightened. This was an experience that they were never to forget!! Peter tells that they “… were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16) Luke says that “… the appearance of his face was altered, and his robe became white and glistening.” (Luke 9:29) Matthew said that “…his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17:2)

Then in verse eight we read, “Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.” Before they realized it the cloud passed away, when the visitors were gone and the voice from Heaven was no longer heard, only Jesus remained. God allows us to have mountaintop experiences so we will get our eyes on Jesus.

There was joy on the mountaintop but there was need down in the valley. We cannot live on the mountaintop, we must climb the mountain and experience intimate fellowship with God, and then we must take what we have gained on the mountaintop back down into the valley.

We must witness the glory of God on the mountaintop so that we can minister to the misery of man in the valley. At the bottom of the mountain there is always a suffering needy world that needs the ministry of those who have been on a mountaintop with God. We must meet God both in the secret place and in the public place of worship so that we can meet the sinful and needy people in the market place.

 

Overpass Christianity

As I was on my way home to spend time with my family for the evening; I noticed something peculiar.  That day I experienced something which was different; something that made me stop and take notice.  I saw a big guy wearing a large cowboy hat, overalls, and his favorite dirty cowboy boots.  He was holding up a large sign on an overpass on I-35W.  Cars were stacked up for miles and miles as they were also trying to get home to relax from a busy day at the office.  There he was, holding up his sign.  Day after day for a solid week.  The sign was large and clearly visible.  On it were these words, “Jesus Saves!”  What was this guy doing?  Why was he out there in the heat of the day?  Doesn’t he realize it is the month of August here in Texas, which means only one thing…IT IS HOT!  Was he some delusional guy who had nothing better to do?  Did he really think that he was going to bring people to Jesus with a sign that he held from an overpass?  But then it hit me…On that day; during that week, he told more people about Jesus than I did.  He was the one enduring the heat and carrying the sign whereas; I sat in my office and prepared to tell the saved about Him the next time we got together.

Have you ever noticed that (sadly) some people are willing to talk freely about Jesus and others will not?  As I look back over my life, I realize that many of my friends were more excited about their church, their preacher’s sermon, their small group, their mission trip, and/or something they personally studied than me.  I began to wander, “Why is that?  Why was I so close lipped about the subject of Christ and His church that he established with His blood?”  I knew it was time to be more open about my faith.  Regardless of how “uncomfortable” I may feel, it was time to be willing to proclaim through my words and deeds that Christ is the Lord of my life.  Have you ever felt this way?

I am reminded of Romans 10:14-15 – “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in te one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  and how can they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Paul asks his fellow Romans a simple question.  A question that needs to be asked once again by each of us that proclaim to wear the name of Christ.  How can anyone know about Jesus…if we aren’t willing to talk about Him and to share with others what He is actively doing in our lives?

He was just a cowboy holding up a sign on a hot day in Texas…but he said more that day to anyone who would look up than I did.  Don’t you think it is about time some things changed?