Embracing Freedom Unlocks Your IdentitySample

DAY 2: It all starts with Rescue

Yesterday started with the idea that it is God’s ultimate plan for humanity to be free, and His plan for our freedom is found in Jesus (Romans 7:24-25).

Today we are diving into God’s ultimate freedom plan: rescue. Rescue can be seen as the moment when the opportunity for freedom is offered and accepted. Another way to look at rescue is by looking at what the church calls Salvation - where freedom is offered by Christ because of his sacrifice on the cross, and we accept it by confessing our sins, receiving forgiveness, and following Christ as Lord of our lives.

Rescue launches freedom. However, the key to freedom is actually living in it. It's possible to be rescued and not yet fully free. We can still be “bound” or held back by things in our lives.

As we read John 11 today, we read about two people (Martha and Lazarus) who were rescued by Jesus and experienced the freedom He brings.

Martha’s freedom experience began when she confessed, “I believe that you are the Messiah…” (John 11:27). However, it was when she protested Jesus’ command to roll away the stone from her brother’s tomb that she encountered a barrier to freedom (trust). Martha knew what was behind the stone; it was messy. Could she trust Jesus to address what was really going on?

Maybe we can relate to Martha. We know the things hidden in our lives (shame, guilt, pain, etc.), which can be messy. Jesus doesn’t just want to rescue us; He wants to free us fully! For Martha to encounter freedom, Jesus had to get at what was behind the stone and He wants to do the same for us. He wants to compassionately deal with things we have hidden away and bring us freedom, not just rescue.

Jesus also rescued Lazarus from death when the stone was removed by calling him out of the tomb. At once, Lazarus came to life (rescue) and began to hop out of his grave. When Lazarus left the tomb and Jesus instructed those gathered around to take off his grave clothes (freedom), he experienced both realities. In doing so, Jesus demonstrated that freedom isn’t meant to be experienced alone.

Sometimes, God uses the community around us to bring us into a place of freedom. In a community, people see how we are different from how we once were. They can speak to changes they see in us and celebrate. God can even use our freedom experience to help others experience rescue and freedom (John 11:45).

Like Martha and Lazarus, you can take a step toward God and experience rescue and freedom. The simple act of placing your trust in Jesus not only brings rescue but also invites Him to bring freedom.

Prayer for rescue:

Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross and making a way for me to come to God and find rescue. I confess that I have sinned and am in need of forgiveness. I ask You to come into my life, forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me to live the life You died to give me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer for freedom:

Lord, I give you access to all areas of my life. Like You did with Martha, would you address areas that are messy and in need of You. Direct me to someone with whom I can experience freedom through their encouragement or help. Please show me a person around me that I can encourage by telling them about how You set me free or speaking to how I see You working in their lives. Use me to be an instrument of freedom in someone’s life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.