Freedom

Scriptures: “All Your words are true; all Your righteous laws are eternal.” (Psalm 119:160)

Because of the project, I had a few opportunities to go to Hong Kong. The first trip was, of course, the most interesting one. Everything was new and different. Of all the impressive things, driving on the left stood out to be the most impressive one.

Here in the United States, we drive on the right side of the road. As a result, when we cross the road, we have been trained to look to the left first, then to the right. But there in Hong Kong, people have to look to the right first, then to the left. Because of the large number of tourists there every year, they even mark on the curb to advise pedestrians to look to the right first, then to the left.

Taking a cab to the office was a completely new experience, especially when I sat in the front seat, next to the cat driver. I would sit in the left seat, our driver seat here in US. That’s already odd because I would be sitting on the left without a steering wheel. Then, to make things more weird and scary, every time the cab made a turn, left or right, I felt like moving into the wrong side of the road, the opposing traffic, even when it’s actually the “right” side of the road.

It would take a few days before I got used to it. But, by then, it would be time for me to come back. So, the next time I went to Hong Kong, I would have to start all over again. It was really a strange feeling, thrilling and scary all at the same time.

If we stop and think about it, we can say this is simply a matter of habit. Because we are so used to driving on the right-hand side, we find driving on the left-hand side such a different experience. Honestly, as a rule, it is always restricting in some way. But, regardless of driving on the left or right, we know such rule exists for a good reason, to protect us from the potential danger and chaos that could result from the lack of it. And, because we understand why such rule exists and the role and importance of it, it no longer appears as restricting to us. Instead, we feel comfortable and protected when we obey it.

Likewise, the statutes and commandments from God are there for our guidance and protection. That is, if we know why they were given us. The Psalmist said, “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.” (Psalm 119:24) Yes, they were given to direct our choices so that God can be in the center of all our lives. And, as a result, we will find delight in life.

For some reason, rule, statutes, commands all bear the implication of restrictions. And, because of this, people always have a negative feeling towards anything that comes to them as a rule or law. But the words of God work different.

Jesus said, “…If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Jesus said that the teaching of God is truth and, more than that, it is capable of setting us free; not free to do anything we want, but free from the bondage of sin; more than a freedom from the bondage of sin, a freedom to enjoy all blessings from God and, more importantly, a freedom to enjoy an intimate personal relationship with God, the source of all blessings.

Everyone desires and treasures freedom. But only freedom with righteous boundaries and enforced by divine power is the true liberating freedom that comes with real everlasting peace and security. Such freedom cannot be taken away by any human efforts, nor by circumstantial changes for it is sealed by the precious blood of our Lord Jesus on the cross!

Prayer Requests:
For those traveling, physically and spiritually, in life

Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for Your decrees and teachings that guide and edify us. Please help us to learn them by heart and to draw from them the wisdom and strength we need to live a life of praise and worship pleasing to You for we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen!