9 Mar, 2011
Finding A Bond Through Bondage
Sometimes it's hard for those of us who grew up in America, post-Civil War, to fully understand the idea of slavery and bondage. As a Christian, having been a slave to sin, yet having experienced the freedom of Christ, I would like to think that I understand the concept a little better but, if I'm being most honest, there are times that I think I still don't get it . . . then I read this story.
Click on the link, take a moment and read it. It's a story of modern-day slaves . . . families in India who have been deceived and allured by the idea of freedom, prosperity, and a great future. What seemed to be exactly what they were looking for, turned out to be quite the opposite: instead of freedom, they found bondage, instead of prosperity, debt.
Galations 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
What does today's story and God's Story scripture teach me about freedom in Christ?
In so many ways, the story of these modern-day slaves in India is our story. If we look back to Genesis, at Adam and Eve, when the serpent approached them they were tempted by what appeared to be a promise of prosperity. They, too, were deceived and sin entered the picture. As a result, generation after generation has had to suffer the consequences of their decision. Just as the Indians became slaves to their debt, we became slaves to our sin. However, unlike those in India, no amount of money or work can free us - nothing, short of the death and resurrection of Christ would justify us before a perfect and Holy God (Eph. 2:8-9). Jesus' death on the cross is the only way we have found freedom from ourselves and from the enemy. Because of Christ, the yoke of slavery has been lifted and, those who believe in Him will never have to bear that burden again.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?
- If you have already accepted Christ as your Savior, and you have made the decision to follow Him, take a moment to praise God for the freedom you have in Him! Think about how your life is different because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. Thank God that you are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) who no longer has to fight against the bondage of sin.
- Although we no longer have to suffer the burden or eternal consequences of our sins, we all still struggle with temptation and satan knows exactly where we are weak. Pray, daily, for God to give you strength through the Holy Spirit, to stand firm in your convictions and to battle tempation. Keep a clear conscience by regularly coming before the Lord with your struggles and sins.
- If this story about slavery in India stirs something in you (anger, sadness, compassion, a sense of urgency), pray that God would give you the same burden for those around you who do not know Christ and are suffering as slaves to their sin. Because, while slavery here on earth is horrible and angering, an eternity of it is just unfathomable. Turn your feelings into passionate prayers - for your friends, and those around the world - and see God work mightly!
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Share the story of the modern-day slaves with your friends. Don't just talk about the slaves and their situation, bring up the landowner and talk about what he did to enslave these people. Use the story as a parallel to what satan did when he deceived and allured Adam and Eve, tempting them and enslaving them in their sin. Talk about the similarities between us (without Christ) and the slaves in India: 1) We both owe a debt we can't pay, 2) Generations are suffering because of the sins/decisions our fathers (Adam & Eve, and The Fall), 3) There are a lot of people who are suffering as slaves (to their sin) and have no idea that Christ paid their debt; they are free (likewise, those in India are clueless that Indian law abolished slavery 30 yrs. ago, and they are still suffering as slaves).
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