1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
We just prayed Psalm 16 “YHWH you are my Lord… I desire no other
gods.” Yet our lives are filled with competing loyalties which take precedence
over God, and none more subtle than family. In the ancient Middle East family identification
was primary. When God chooses Elisha to be a prophet, Elijah gives him his
mantle. Elisha wants to say good bye to his family, it seems a reasonable response.
Elijah simply asks him “What have I done to you?” Elisha knows the answer—you have
made me your successor. I am now God’s holy prophet. That takes precedence over
everything.
Jesus alludes to this very story
when He describes discipleship. Jesus says follow me, and don’t look back. Perhaps
we are offended by His terms—what of family relationships and responsibilities?
But the truth is this: We are broken—until we are completely healed, we will
not be free to truly love anyone. We are wounded and self-seeking, and this
impacts every relationship—especially our relationship with God.
Our life is the struggle to become our true selves: the children
of God. Jesus says these hard words as He travels to Jerusalem. He goes there to
suffer and die, to leave behind family and friend for love of God. Until we die
to self we are not free to fully love anyone.
When Paul says, “For FREEDOM Christ has set you FREE,” he reminds
us of this. Freedom is not license. Sin diminishes our freedom, and makes us
less able to love. Our mind and heart must be purified and freed. We embrace
the work of repentance in response to the gift of redemption. Our freedom is as
sturdy as the Triune God, but it is as fragile as our wavering wills.
The greatest threat to freedom in Christ is slavery to the sarx/flesh—those
desires which go against the Holy Spirit. These lusts/cravings/passions manifest
in concrete ways, Paul provides a partial list. He warns us that “those who do
such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”
If we cannot earn our way into God’s Kingdom, we can sin our way
into Hell.” Paul is not advocating the Law—he even includes the Law as one of
the powers from which we are free—but he wants us to understand that in Christ
we cannot serve the deadly passions. The sinful cravings destroy God’s image
and keep us from love. Paul is clear: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have
crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Turning from the passions is balanced by turning toward God. His
life in us—the Holy Spirit—unites us to God! As we grow in union with God, His
life manifest with us: love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are fruits as we turn from our own
wants and desires and seek God above all others.
We are called by Jesus, and we must leave behind all that would
hinder us from answering the call. It is life, abundant life, and worth any
price—especially crucifying our sinful passions and desires.
Lord Jesus, set us free for true freedom. Holy Spirit fire burn
away the sinful passions. Make us holy. Heal and save us.
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