Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We read that, we sing that, but do we live it?

As Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth, he reminded them how the Law was etched on stone tablets, and led to death.

The Complete Jewish Bible translates verses 16-17:
“But,” says the Torah, “whenever someone turns to Adonai, the veil is taken away.” Now, “Adonai” in this text means the Spirit. And where the Spirit of Adonai is, there is freedom.

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Paul was declaring that turning to God did not mean simply adhering to the Torah, but in turning to the God of the Torah. He said that the new Law would be written on the hearts of Jesus’ followers.

Freedom is found in our relationship with Adonai, Almighty God, who is Spirit. Wherever He is, true freedom exists.

Freedom from…? Freedom to….?

I believe that Paul had a twofold thought here.
One, the Torah was filled with rules and regulations that were impossible for any human to carry out completely. Living in relationship with the Spirit of God eliminated the onerous task of following every rule on a checklist. It doesn’t eliminate the rules, it changes our relationship with them.

The Spirit of God will never guide us to be in opposition to His Word. If that’s a message you’re getting, check and double check who you’re listening to.

The Spirit will, though, walk with us, guiding us, teaching us, correcting and rebuking us as we strive to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Also, this freedom is from the chains of sin. We’re no longer held captive, unable to escape the sin that seems to take over. We may feel like we’re captive, but remember, our feelings lie to us. When we realize we have been set free from sin by our God, we can walk in that freedom with heads high, knowing that there is no condemnation for us.

And freedom to? We are free to go out and do what we want, right?

Umm, no. Not right at all.

We are even free to continue in sin if that’s what we choose. That doesn’t mean we’re free of the consequences of that choice.

Paul explained that done right, this freedom God gives will be lived out as Jesus did, in service to others. Jesus knew and understood His full freedom as God, yet He took up the basin and towel to wash the feet of His creation.

Think about that.

That is the freedom we’re to desire and emulate. Thing is, we can’t conjure that up on our own. Thankfully, God gives us the will to do what pleases Him!

Today is the day to walk boldly in the freedom given us by Jesus. To stand tall, free of all the chains of religion and sin. To walk confidently in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, serving God by serving others.

Coffee, Bible, Journal.

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