Chains

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Tomorrow we celebrate our freedom.

The freedom provided by the resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He came so there would be a once-and-for-all blood sacrifice to release us from the ball and chain of sin and death. The barrier of sin prevented us from relationship with Almighty God, but now through Christ, we have freedom to speak to him, and he hears our prayers. Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope that death is not our last stop. Through the unblemished Lamb of God, our chains cannot hold us to the ground, for we are raised up to eternal life.

The chains of sin are broken through the cross.

The Apostle Paul understood physical chains, but he didn’t let them prevent him from experiencing the joy that comes through belief in Christ.

While writing his letter to the Philippians, Paul’s body is literally chained to a member of the imperial guard 24-7. However, he saw his imprisonment as a way to proclaim the gospel. Paul said, “It has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:13-14). With Paul chained to them, the guards didn’t have a chance! By watching his behavior, they were drawn to the one who gives us joy in the midst of trials.

Even though he was imprisoned, Paul knew he was free.

 

We may not walk around with physical chains on our bodies, but we allow perceived chains to prevent us from being joyful.

Maybe you feel chained to a job.

Chained to a health issue.

Chained to money problems.

What chains hold you?

Are you downtrodden, or do you focus on freedom? Does your joy in Christ trump the pain you are experiencing? Like Paul, would your demeanor lead someone in Christ even though you are in chains?

We need to set our eyes on the freedom Christ gives us because if we do, the chains of this world are broken.

We can smile.

We can sing.

We are no longer enslaved for a lifetime.

As you head into Easter, ask God to break any chains that prevent you from having joy in your life.

Embrace the freedom that comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

And have a Happy Easter!