RELEASING

John 8:36

The Message (MSG)

34-38 Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.

According to this verse if I am a believer in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, then I am no longer a slave to sin.  I am free!  Well if I am free, why do I still feel like I am a slave to so many things that are wrong?  Why do I sometimes still go about my day chasing things that will not satisfy? Well God in His faithfulness has answered this for me.  He said, “You are not releasing.”  

Now since God would not let me get this word out of my head, I decided to look up its definition.  I found it quite interesting.  Number one definition is, “to stop clutching.”  Well this gave me a visual of what I have been doing.  It’s like my fist is tightly closed and all I have to do is open up my fist and let it go. I am the one holding it and not letting it go.  I am free but choosing to stay a slave. 

Another definition is, “to let somebody or something go.”  This again brings it back on me.  Jesus has done the work of setting me free but I am unwilling to let my old self go.  I am not releasing that old self.  I am holding onto “me”! 

Releasing also means “to let something out.”  In the releasing of me and what I want, the Holy Spirit in me is able to come out and be seen. 

This brings me to another definition, “the authorization for freedom, liberation.”  Wow!  I have no excuses now do I?  I must choose to release and let this freedom come forth, which in turn, will bring me liberation.  

This leads to the last definition, “removal of burden!”  Ok, I get it Lord.  All in one little word, releasing, and my burdens will be removed!  They don’t have to be here, these burdens, but because of not releasing, and choosing to stay a slave, I will continue to carry unnecessary burdens.   Sometimes I tell God, I am so tired.  Tired of the struggling and doing the same things over and over.  It wears me out! 

Well then my child, release it, He says.  You don’t have to continue carrying things you were never meant to carry.  Your freedom is there, purchased through my Son’s blood.  Your slavery is a choice now.  Why do you choose to continue to be someone you are not anymore?   Open up that fist of pride, rebellion, lack of trust, and release it.  Let it go!   It’s time to take your rightful position as an Heir to the Kingdom of Heaven.  You are free from the chains of sin and death.  Just release!   

Now let me ask you, are you free or are you still a slave?  Are you willing to release it to God and if not, what keeps you from it?   Is it lack of trust, fear, or perhaps an unwillingness to really let God have control?  Perhaps it may be you are more comfortable living in the way that you are used to.  Whatever the reason, remember He always will love you!!