DEVOTION / A definition of freedom
"I'll tell you what freedom is to me—no fear."
That was Nina Simone's definition of freedom. Simone, 1933-2003, was a Black American singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, and civil rights activist.
The Bible agrees. As long as fear exists in our lives there is no freedom. We enjoy freedom when fear ceases to exist.
Like a ball and chain without a key, sin tethers fear to sinful human beings. In addition, our sin-infected world and the sinful beings who live in it weaponize fear to imprison and torture.
Fortunately, the gospel has obliterated our fears and replaced it with freedom. In Jesus we have God's "perfect love [that] drives out fear" (1 John 4:18).
The Bethlehem angel assured the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people" (Luke 2:10). Three decades later and only hours from the cross, the Savior himself assured there's no longer any reason for fear. "Peace I leave with you," he said. "My peace I give you…. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).
No wonder the risen, triumphant Jesus' first words to his disciples were, "Do not be afraid" (Matthew 28:10) and “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36).
Because of Jesus, there is no basis for fear. He has freed us from everything that could stand between us and our eternal Father. He has freed us to be citizens of heaven. “Do not be afraid, little flock," Jesus tells us, "for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).
God’s grace replaces the fear of tomorrow with the eternal freedom of our future in heaven. Grace exchanges the fear of the unknown with the freedom of being fully known by the God who controls the universe. Grace removes fear from heartache, harassment, and hurt, replacing it with the freedom of harmony with the Divine.
Jesus has destroyed fear's claim on us. He's replaced it with freedom. "If the Son sets you free," Jesus promises, "you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).
Fear is gone. Freedom reigns.