“Where the Spirit of God is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
I reflect on freedom this morning and wonder what I do to shackle myself, locking myself up in a dingy cell.
The first words God spoke to man, recorded in Genesis 2:16 speak of freedom. “You are free to eat of every tree in the garden, but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat.” And, like toddlers, the first thing Adam and Eve do is exactly what God forbade.
But, then the image of the Good Shepherd plays out. God comes to the garden, looking for His ‘now’ lost sheep – “where are you” __- Genesis 3:9. In Luke 15:4 and John 10, we see how God seeks out the lost of His flock. He comes to earth in Genesis and as Jesus to seek and set free His beloved.
I have wondered how many times I heard the call of God beckoning to me. Hearing the loving voice of my Creator, I hide in shame of my filthiness. I have sinned and am too dirty, unworthy to be called or answer that call.
But, God calls. God calls, looking to exactly where we are hiding. He calls us to break the chains that bind the imprisonment we set upon ourselves.
The Holy Spirit gives us freedom. When we receive this freedom, we find true peace. Nothing in this world can entrap us, nothing of this world can take away our peace. The Spirit God does this.
God’s Divine Mercy not only breaks the chains but shatters them completely.
“Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. …Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 699
The only question that remains is; will you step out from behind the bushes?