Fear and Freedom
This morning I’ve been reflecting on Isaiah 51. We had quite an extended time of prayer last night, and there was a sense that many in the group had a lot of fear and shame in their life. There were about 10 who identified that this was true, and we sought the Lord together; all were freed and received in Christ a fuller measure of their freedom as sons and daughters of God. A few of the folks received it in powerful ways, that was evidence of the Spirit’s strong desire to free them. It was clearly a battle and afterwards, the entire group was exhausted. Here’s the point:
So many of God’s people live in fear and shame, and such a prison is created that they come to accept it as a part of their life. Yet, Jesus died for full freedom; to enjoy a feast and be filled, not settle for crumbs from the table. For such freedom, we have to fight to identify oursleves as God’s beloved, which is an identity that has already been secured for us.
Notice how Isaiah asks a question linking fear and identity in verses 12-13… Then, focuses on the type of freedom offered in Christ in 14-15. and that freedom is based on God’s character and our identity (v.16):
12 “I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass,
13 that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor?
14 The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread.
15 For I am the Lord your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name.
16 I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand— I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.’ ”
