A Different Set of EyesSample

DAY TWO: Freedom, Real Freedom 

Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian?”  And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.”  (Acts 26: 28-29 NASB)

Historical accounts tell us that it took two years for Paul’s appeal and trial to be concluded.  During that time, he was under arrest and in chains most of the time.   He was imprisoned in various places, from dark, damp dungeons to a rented apartment where he was under house arrest while accompanied by a Roman guard.  He was released a short while after his two years, but was then imprisoned again when Nero began his persecution of the Christians.  His final prison stay was in the worst of conditions, and the old man Paul, ached with pain from the cold and loneliness of his prison life.  Even so, he could still exclaim, “Except for these chains I wish you had what I have!!”  How can this be?  How could a man who was so unfairly treated and so abused and hurt in every way say this?  It had to be because he had discovered a freedom that even while his body was caged and chained, his soul was alive with the joy of the Lord.  He had found the Treasure of the Universe and there was nothing that could take it away from him.  He had discovered a joy that was not influenced by circumstances, and he had a life, though still in prison, that was valued more than all the earthly benefits and treasures that he had garnered before Jesus came into his life.  So what can we learn from the perspective Jesus gave to Paul?   The world without Christ is in its own prison and chains, and I believe we need to see their chains so we can set them free.  It will really help to understand our opportunities if we do.

There are many “prisons and chains” that people without Christ are living with today.  Some are physical and some are metaphorical, but they are all real to those imprisoned.  Even some of our brothers and sisters in Christ are going through the same torture and confinement as Paul, for like him they are persecuted because they are identified with Jesus Christ.  These saints are being tortured, beheaded, raped, murdered, ostracized and discriminated against.  But these saints have found a freedom like Paul, though their bodies are victimized.  However, those without Christ remain enslaved to their culture, their choices, the consequences of those choices, and an inevitable judgment that does not end well.

In case you are wondering about the appeal and what a life without Christ offers, all one has to do is look closely at any nation or people group that does not know Christ.  There is unhappiness even with wealth.  There is anger, despair, jealousy, unforgiveness, strife.  Wars and conflicts are all over the place.  Is there any place that turmoil is not happening?  On the other hand, we see even in those countries where they oppress and persecute and impoverish their people, when they have Christ, there is joy and freedom.  How can this be?  It is because those who practice true Christianity have found a freedom that this world cannot offer, nor can it take away.  This brings me to this country’s future and the fears that some Christians have about where it is headed.  There is hope, and it is found no other place but in Christ.  But we have to remember His plans and where we are likely placed in the timetable of His plans.

I have said this before.  I believe the Christians of this age have entered into a period that could be described as the “last days.”  I make no predictions about anything other than what I’ve seen develop over the last fifty years, and especially within the last ten years.  However, the most dramatic deterioration of this country and the world for that matter has occurred in the last five years.  It is like watching a run away train, where the train is rushing to the end of the line picking up speed as it goes.  As a Christian, I am excited about where this is headed.  If we are close to the end, I say bring it on.  I have already concluded that this life is overrated.  But the problem of the future is not for God’s family.  Even if our lives are threatened with death, what do they want to do, scare us with Heaven?  No, we are ok.  Sure there will be challenging times.  Jesus said that this would happen.  But it will also be a time of a great harvest for souls, and this is how God’s Church should be looking at these times.  We do not run from it.  Just like a courageous firefighter runs into burning buildings to bring some lives out of the fire, we run into these days and the future and bring someone out of the flames. 

As I read Paul’s response to King Agrippa in the scripture above, I see in Paul a man whose body was in prison but his soul was flying like a freed bird.  On the other hand, I see in Agrippa a man who lived as a King but was a slave to sin and imprisoned by a life without Christ and no hope because of it.  Like Paul, I see that the freedom God will give all of His children is one that cannot be given nor taken by the world.  But, Agrippa never found his freedom and he lost it all in the end.  The big question I would like to ask you, “Have you flown the coop of your prisons and are you enjoying the freedom that God has given to you?”  If you are still in your man-made prisons brought on by circumstances, fear, guilt and shame, I have good news for you.  The freedom that you are yearning for has been bought and paid for.  The prison doors are wide open for you.  You do not have to stay earthbound any longer with what has imprisoned you.  As a Man or Woman of God who has been set free, claim this freedom that has been given to you and start flying with your King.  Walk out of that prison and into the light that Jesus brings to you this day.  Believe me, there are many more people out there who are longing to hear this good news and the best way to tell them is for you and me to live a life that has broken free from our prison and chains.  God is setting the stage for us.  Let’s get ready for the campaign that He is inviting us to.

I have been made free by Christ to help others find it.  Join with me.  This is your hour.