Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. –Romans 6:8-11
I was summoned for jury duty and showed up thinking it would be an afternoon of reading at the courthouse. Instead, I was selected to sit on a jury for a criminal trial. It was an educational week but also an emotional one. The hardest day for me was the last day. I celebrated the freedom in getting to go home after spending the last week there, but as the County Clerk read out the verdict “guilty on all counts” to the defendant, I realized it would be a long time before this young man got to go home.
Driving home, I couldn’t help but think of the illustration often used to describe our relationship with the Lord. It’s the one where He sits as the judge and makes a ruling over our life, then as we prepare to face the consequences of our sins, He walks down from His seat of power and takes our place of punishment, allowing us to live free.
What a beautiful thing the Lord has done for us. We are all sinners. No matter how large or small the sin may appear, the Lord sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for each of us. When Jesus died and rose again three days later, He conquered sin’s power. He conquered death. No longer do we need to be afraid of death and the condemnation of sin. Those who believe have been given everlasting life through Jesus Christ. This freedom He has given us by paying the penalty allows us to have fellowship with Him and allows us to look forward to eternity with Him.
Today, breathe in assurance of freedom and everlasting life. For with Jesus, we are more than conquerors.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Why is it sometimes hard to accept the gift of freedom the Lord gives those who believe?
2. Why is it important that we not abuse the freedom given to us in the sacrifice of Jesus?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 6:9-15; Luke 19:1-10; Romans 6:1-14; Romans 8:1