Our Devotion for Wednesday, March 15, 2023 is taken from: Amazing Grace Devotions for Lent by Michael Hoy
15 Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; for this reason I lay this command upon you today.
Deuteronomy 15:15 NRSV
THE GRACE OF FREEDOM
The people of Israel remembered that they were once enslaved under Pharoah in Egypt, but God set them free. Sadly, however, slavery still existed throughout the biblical era. Most of those who were slaves were in that position by necessity. They came to those who had enough wealth and possessions to take care of them, and in return, they worked the land. But they were never to permanently be bound in slavery.
The goal was to grant all slaves their freedom. More than that, they were to be provided with enough to take care of themselves, so that they would never again be subjected to this impoverished state. But Christ, both in life and in death, broke all the bonds of enslavement under the law, redeeming us and setting us free to live in his promise. As we have received this freedom by faith, so we live the grace of freedom for all those still in bondage to hopelessness, under the weight of criticism or under the thumb of another. The grace of freedom is for all!
Friends,
Many of us have felt the pressure of being bound to circumstances and situations beyond our control, seemingly spinning our wheels without making any progress. We find ourselves frustrated and perplexed by our plights; wondering if we will ever experience relief from the strains. Once we chose to call upon and lean on Jesus, our circumstances and situations became less confining. Yes, they were still present, but Jesus offered us a peace to look past the hardship and attune our ears to God’s voice guiding us through the dark valley. Christ has set us free from everything that binds us, offering us redemption, hope, peace, and grace.
-Pastor Anthony
Prayer
Lord, in your grace set free the lives of all who are enslaved. Amen.
-Michael Hoy