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“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Luke 4:18-19
She rises majestically above the waters of New York harbor. For over 100 years she has been the symbol of freedom to the world. Millions have passed by her by sea and air seeking freedo
m. Some sought political freedom. Some sought economic freedom. Others sought religious freedom. For many, these shores did not disappoint.
While we are far from a perfect nation, the Statue of Liberty is one of the symbols for what I believe to be the greatest nation on earth. A nation founded on the principles of justice, equality and hope.
In 1883, Emma Lazarus wrote a poem, a phrase of which is inscribed on the wall of the Statue of Liberty. While the poem itself is largely forgotten, this phrase is not. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” has welcomed millions over the last 100+ years to a new home of opportunity.
Another symbol of freedom stood alone on a hillside over 2000 years ago. While the statue of Liberty is a symbol of economic, religious and political freedom, the cross of Jesus Christ stands as a symbol of spiritual freedom.
Emma’s phrase sounds remarkably similar to one that was stated thousands of years ago by Jesus Christ. He quotes the prophet Isaiah, in Luke 4:18-19 by saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”
Political freedom can be taken away by ravages of war or the passing of time. Economic freedom can be wiped out by recession, disaster or health. Religious freedom can be weakened by the fickle norms of society.
Spiritual freedom can never be taken way. Jesus offers us hope in the midst of trials; encouragement when we are discouraged; courage when we are afraid; forgiveness when we sin; restoration when we’ve failed him.
To some, the cross symbolizes religion, rules, regulations, intolerance and judgmental attitudes. A personal relationship with Jesus shows us that the cross really is a symbol of God’s great desire to show you forgiveness, hope and a freedom no one can take away.
Today, take some time to thank God for the great nation he has given us. Take time to pray for those who have served and are currently serving to keep our freedom safe. Most of all, thank Jesus for the freedom he gives to those who have made him Lord and Savior of their lives.
PRAYER: Creator God. You have given us so many things we don’t deserve. Thank you for blessing us beyond measure with a freedom that transcends any power, seen and unseen. In Jesus name, Amen.
Don’t know what to do next! Don’t know what I’m doing right now! I’m in a time when I’m totally confused what to do next. Very unlikely me! Usually I’m a much planned person and have plans for the next 2 to 3 years. And in case I don’t have any plans working out, I will freak the mess around me, google out options – day in and out, talk to elders, parents, professionals etc.. etc.. and pray hard – asking God (or rather yelling at Him) to show me the way. And only when I get my answer and plans start working out – will I rest and be at peace.[I totally believe in working hard]
But this time, it’s not me – It seems. Neither am I confident of Plan A, nor do I have any plans B, C, D, E…. And instead of freaking out – I…
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Lord, help me
Through and through
Life is a lost and lonely place
Without you.
Lord, help me
As I pray
I am needful of your grace
Every day
Lord, help me
Through this night
Fear has pushed my faith aside
As I write
Lord, help me
See your light
Draw me to your loving side
By your might
Lord, help me
Trust in you
Only then can I have peace
Faith renewed
Lord, help me
Be like you
Help me live a life of grace
Mercy too.
You’ve helped me through the battles
That daily come along
You’ve helped me through the trials
When I am weak, you’re strong
You’ve helped me through the hard times
When I think I will fall
You’ve helped me all throughout life
I’ve given you my all
And now I come to you, Lord
With one more desperate plea
I know that when…
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“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
Have you ever had one of those nights when you lay awake waiting for morning because daylight may be the only relief you get from the worry in your heart and soul? You breathed a sigh of relief of seeing the first glimmer of dawn because it signaled the dawn of a new day and hopefully respite from your pain?
Have you ever been under attack for your faith? Even though you had complete faith in what God’s word said, you watched as people you loved and respected seemed to turn away. The loneliness was harsh and your emotions ranged from pain (for what was being done to Jesus) to anger (because when attacked, anger is the easiest emotion).
Have you suffered through the loss of a loved one? Even though you knew they were in the arms of Jesus. Even though you knew they were without pain. Even though you knew that someday you would be reunited again and rejoice for eternity. Even though you knew all those things, the pain was still unbearable?
Have you ever watched the news with horror as sin was celebrated as normal and everything you knew pleased your Lord and Savior was being mocked, ridiculed and scorned? In the midst of it all, you felt completely helpless. Like Noah, you watched society fail and the raindrops begin to fall?
Here’s some good news. You were never called to conquer the world. Jesus will take care of that. You were never commissioned to be the one to turn the tide of events. That has already been planned out.
All we were called to do is shine. That’s it. Just shine. John writes in his first epistle that God is light. No darkness, just light (1 John 1:5). Jesus tells us that we are lights on a hill, like a city on a hill that is impossible to hide.
Remember this the next time the darkness seems to creep in around you. The deeper the darkness, the brighter even the smallest light will shine. No amount of darkness will ever be able to subdue, conquer or change the effectiveness of light.
I have a favorite campground in far northern Minnesota. A few years ago I was sitting on the shore late at night. The stars were amazing. In the distance I saw the small flicker of a campfire on an island on the other side of the lake. Just a small fire, yet it was clearly visible in the darkness.
Be a light for Jesus. Let God’s Spirit determine your effectiveness. Just shine. Shine because of the God within you, not because of the gods surrounding you. Your God is greater!
PRAYER: Father God. I confess that I worry rather than trust; that I doubt when I should have faith; that I am afraid when I should be confident and that I get discouraged when I could be encouraged by the fact you are in control. For today, let my light shine for you regardless of the darkness around me. Amen.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 