One of saddest things to me as a father is when I see a child of God living behind the bars of circumstances. This should not be—in light of the fact that Jesus purchased our freedom on the cross. We have been given kingdom star freedom to enjoy. Unfortunately, many feel more secure being behind the bars of circumstances even though Jesus opened the jail door for them to walk out freely.
Such was the case with the man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5. The reason Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well was because the man had apparently made a friend of his sickness. Sympathy will do strange things to you.
Humanity is not only capable of making kings out of other men…but often they make kings out of their own circumstances. When one yields to such things the next logical step is that of proving they deserve abuse. Over the years I have ministered to many who felt their love and servant-hood to God should be tested regularly and severely because they were never secure in their standing with God.
A good example of this is the children of Israel. They felt safer behind the bars of circumstances back in Egypt than under the stars of freedom in following God.
Because there is so much insecurity in the world today, humanity in general seems to be more king prone than they are God prone.
I see this far too often in Christian circles. Some pastors almost insist on being the king with an expectation of allegiance from their parishioners. Other people need to be guided by such men of dominance because they don’t want the responsibility of hearing from God themselves. Yet others are so drawn to great anointed men who are capable of drawing huge crowds for such things as healing campaigns…many are prone to make kings out of them.
Perhaps from time to time we all need to go back and reread the small print of who we are and what a price Jesus paid for our freedom. I am sure that we would then get a new perspective on living behind the bars of circumstances or enjoying the benefits of the stars of freedom.
Father,
Help us to enjoy our star freedom more consistently by spending more time with You and in Your Word. Lord, help us to also bring this good news to others who remain behind the bars of circumstances when the jail door has already been opened by the precious blood of Jesus. We thank you Lord for setting us free.
Amen.
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36 KJV)
Apostle John Dean Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved
Alliance International Ministries