| Free At Last; Free At Last, Part 11: How Do We Make the Transition? |
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| Written by David Lawrence |
| Sunday, November 29 2009 00:00 |
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Throughout this series, I have used the example of my friend who was recently released from prison and is making the transition back to a normal and free life as a basis for spiritual lessons. I mentioned in the introductory devotional that he told me of feeling panic when he realized he was out of the house, on his own, without a cell phone, and no way to contact the guards. He reported this to his parole officer who looked him in the eyes and said, “Listen to me: you are free, you are free!” We discussed with each other how he could understand intellectually that he was free without that realization permeating his heart, his feelings, is emotions. In the same way, we can teach people about the freedom we have in Christ by the grace of God, and they can intellectually apprehend it, but they have difficulty grasping it emotionally. I always know when a person really understands sovereign grace. The reactions differ, but it is a deep, emotional one. I recall one very tall young man trembling as he stood in my office doorway telling me this was the greatest realization of his life, and his father telling me that it permanently changed his life. The examples can be multiplied, but our concern is how. I cannot do it for myself or anyone else, and neither can you. We can teach the gospel. We can teach what the Bible says. We can pray and exert effort to set a proper Christian example, but ultimately the conviction of assurance is a work of the Holy Spirit. One thing all of us should understand, as Jesus taught Nicodemus, is that we do not control or manipulate the Holy Spirit. He is like the wind; his effects can be felt, but we do not know where (or when or how) he comes. My friend will gradually feel his freedom in time. He will gradually resume his life. Home and family will be more normal to him. And with us, I have learned it often takes time. Although there are some who almost instantaneously perceive in their hearts what God’s salvation means for them and how great His love for them is, for most it comes slowly. Then the light comes on. It is the “eureka moment.” Once it does, life is never the same again. The joy never departs. The message never grows old or trite. God hasten the day for all his people! |
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