Freedom in the Lion’s Den

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8a)

.

College Daze

Yes, I admit it, I am a college dropout. The worldly freedom that the college experience allowed did me in. Don’t let me mislead you, the decisions that led to this downward spiral were of my own doing.  The carnal indulgences of this  particular institute of higher learning were merely an hors d’oeuvre offering on satan’s plate that I willingly consumed. What I didn’t see then was how woefully ill-equipped I was to handle faithless autonomy.

Freedom in Slavery

In my walk with Jesus I have come to esteem Daniel. Daniel was one of many Jewish kids (perhaps 16 years of age or so), who were enslaved after King Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. King Nebbie’s plan was to take the best and the brightest of these slaves, provide them the finest wine and delicacies, and prepare them for service in his court. The only problem was that Daniel wasn’t biting and (in time) he would end up being tossed to the lions because he always sided with God.

But God miraculously saved him.

My wonder and admiration for Daniel is rooted in his God-given ability to resist temptation as a slave. I cannot help but imagine how miserably I would have failed this test. In my freedom I gobbled up sin. Imprisoned I suspect I would have leapt greedily at any opportunity afforded me. What I’ve come to understand by faith is that Daniel’s reverent choices, powered through obedience and submission to God, gave him a kind of freedom I never knew existed. This is true freedom.

And in case you missed it, it is God who makes the way of escape:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Is This You?

In your world-wise independence, do you think you have it all, when in truth you have very little? Do you feel entitled to seize as much as you can get and keep all you have acquired? Does the process (and results) leave you unsatisfied and wanting more? Despite believing you are climbing upwards from a pit, does the evidence demonstrate you are actually being driven downward into it? Has your faithless freedom left you feeling confined, bound, and addicted? Do you get the sense that all or part of what you are doing is sinful?

The ask yourself…

Are You  Really Free?

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:34-36

Daniel was only able to do what he did because he loved the Lord. Daniel further understood that achievement and glory belonged solely to God and he obtained his true freedom by means of subjection. In relinquishing his life, he obtained life eternal. As a result he was used mightily by God.

We have access, through Christ Jesus, to this same freedom and it begins by acknowledging that we are all sinners and that sin separates us from God. Read these passages. If they don’t make sense initially, read them again and ask the Lord to speak His truth to your heart.

• “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
• For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
• But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
•  Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
• For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

Those are five powerful Bible verses that will change a sinner’s life and set him or her free. If you are sick and tired of experiencing a false freedom that produces only temporary and addictive results, then consider a new life in Christ.

If you give Jesus your all, He will give you His all.

1. What do these Bible passages say about God?
2. What do they say about you?
3. What decisions should you seriously consider right now?

These  articles may or may not relate to this post:

• Saved By Grace! (wordofgodspeaktome.wordpress.com)
• Take a Chance by Ezekiel (naturalbreeze30.wordpress.com)
• An open letter to homosexuals (wnd.com)
• “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (worryisuseless.wordpress.com)
• Romans 5: Seven Gifts (cutpaste.typepad.com)
• Fighting Sin: 13 Practical Battle Steps (gracesatisfies.wordpress.com)
• Preaching at a local mission for the homeless – “Oh What A Night!” (And A Testimony!) (haroldsays.typepad.com)
• Organizing the Inside – Day 286 Keeping Cool in the Pressure Cooker (lizmason.wordpress.com)
• How Did Christ Preach To The Dead? (rmhic.wordpress.com)
• What Will They Say To Say To Shadrach, Meshach, And Abednego? (rubythursdays.wordpress.com)

If you enjoyed the blog please like it, share it, subscribe or comment!