Finding Freedom
This week we pause and take stalk of our freedoms as we celebrate Independence Day as a nation. Freedom is complicated, layered, and very precious. It must be looked after as a something that can be lost, given away, or corrupted. Most good things in life, do not stay good when unattended. We, as hu mans, have been given the charge by the Lord at creation to tend to the earth. We must pay attention and do what is required to help good things stay good and healthy.
For freedom in the Spirit, this is the same. There are many elements in life that may hinder or challenge our freedom in Christ. Fear, laziness, complacency, judgment, and compromise are all common examples of what could keep us from living the fullness of a life in Jesus. They are the weeds attempting to keep the good seed from growing good fruit. They are the waves attempting to keep us frantic in the boat. They are the weights we could find ourselves carrying if we are carful to cast our burdens on the Lord.
When I read the story of Peter in scripture, I am challenged by the way he was so confident, adamant, and even zealous about his love for Christ during the last supper. Then, mere hours later, he was denying Him to the tune of the rooster’s crow. This dichotomy scares me a bit into a humble hunt for consistency. I want to stay in good standing with the Lord, following Him no matter who is watching, what I’m going
through, or what persecutions may befall me.
The interesting reality of Peter’s denial is the quick turnaround to him preaching a mighty sermon after the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the upper room. As I seek the discipline to stay free, I recognize the differences in these two instances. They have helped me stay faithful in Christ and in the pursuit of His will for my life. Here’s a few things I noticed. (These two stories are found in Matthew 26 and Acts 2)
1- Your crowd matters. When Peter found himself alone, and following the procession of Jesus to the cross, he might have felt more vulnerable. When walking as a member of the 12 or larger group surrounding Jesus, he had the benefit of security in numbers. There were other believers asking questions,
taking steps of faith, following Christ together. We must contend for healthy community who spur us on towards Jesus! He also might have felt a
perceived lack of accountability. He might have felt, if “nobody” was watching, his denial of Jesus wasn’t that bad. He learned the very hard way that the Lord is very present and very aware of what we are doing, no matter the hour.
2- The Holy Spirit transforms. Before Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, there was not the Helper present to give him strength, overcome fear, and activate self-control. When we walk with the Spirit, and listen to how the Lord is guiding us, we are not left to our own devices! Praise God! My shortcomings do not have to stay shortcomings forever! Being a follower of Jesus means that transformation is possible. What an incredible example in Peter’s quick turnaround. He went from denying to preaching publicly in a matter of days. We do not need to be resigned to our bad habits and generational vices. The Lord can help us overcome by repentance and His transformational power!
3- The resurrection is everything! One of the most significant differences between Denying Peter and Preaching Peter is what transpired in him after the resurrection. Having experienced Jesus rising from the dead created a different authority. He was FREE from shame and fear because Christ was free from the grave. He was free to share because Christ gave it all and was not stopped by death. What you think or remember about the resurrection is a huge resource to your connection to freedom. If you struggle with doubts or wonder if the resurrection is real, you might also struggle with freedom in Jesus. His resurrection is an anchor point to our faith.
If you find yourself struggling being free, go back to what was done on the cross and within the tomb. He is alive. And that makes us free!