Exodus 20:2 (ESV): I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
I cannot imagine living a life as a slave. As a slave I would not have freedom, or liberty, or choices, or any ability to make my own life decisions. Right now, I am blessed. I am not a slave.
Yet, slavery still exists. Even here in Kansas human trafficking exists. For many, even for those who supposedly have freedom, their lives are bound. They are in shackles of debt, of abusive relationships, of the tyranny of fear. Even though some of my neighbors are not slaves, many are enslaved.
I live close to Kansas and federal prisons. The prisoners are incarcerated. They are not slaves, but they have no freedom. Most are experiencing the consequences of bad decisions. Yet when looking at individual prisoner plights, there are themes of hurt, pain, and suffering that started in bad childhood circumstances. Were they enslaved before being incarcerated?
This picture sounds bleak. Well, it is bleak, for so many, many people.
When the Israelites were in Egypt they were slaves. God brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
This Old Testament story shows me that God does not want His people to be enslaved. He rescued them.
This same God sent Jesus, His Son, to rescue me from being a slave to sin. All of the examples I have shared above point to very tragic situations. Even more tragic is remaining a slave to sin when God has provided freedom through Jesus Christ.
I firmly believe that a first step to overcoming tragic worldly enslavement is to let go and let God be in control. Only then can I have true freedom. Only then, can I move beyond what has shackled me.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am in a world that enslaves. So many experience bondage. Thank You that I am free in Jesus. May I now be used by You, as Your tool to help rescue others.
