Galatians 4:31
“So, dear brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman; we are children of the free woman.”
This is true regardless of how we feel. The Hebrews in captive Egypt were free. Generations passed until it became a reality, but their identity was that of a free people.
How do we live, knowing we are free, yet the present day feels like slavery? The narrative of the slave holders might be a present reality. The Hebrews had to go to work, stomping in the mud and forming bricks. The massive Egyptian monuments and cities were being built by slave labor. Yet, those laborers were children of the promise.
There came a generation that would be freed. There rose a leader who would take them out of their slavery. He challenged Pharaoh while wearing his Hebrew garments. Pharaoh and his counselors mocked them. Yet, freedom was coming. Like the glimpse of something in the distance, deliverance was not far away.
The book of Hebrews gives us instruction and hope. 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." That's the secret, He will reward us. He puts hope in our hearts. Romans 8 tells us that His "Spirit bears witness with our spirit". The outward circumstance may not feel like freedom, but the Lord confirms that He's still on the throne and He will do it.
It's said of Abraham that He was looking for a different kingdom. Hebrews 11:10 says, "for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God". So are we. While our present reality may not feel like it, another kingdom is coming. His Spirit gives us hope.
Biblical hope isn't a wish, but a confident knowing. Even though a promise isn't fulfilled, it's feels like it has been. It's not positive thinking, but a knowing coupled with a satisfaction that the Lord provides. Romans 8 gives us insight, "His Spirit bears witness with our spirit". With His presence dwelling in us comes many things; hope is one.
Peace and satisfaction also come from Him. It's wonderfully addicting. Like the natural chemical infusion that comes from exercise, there is much reward that God gives by being in fellowship with Him. Peace and satisfaction (contentment) are two of them. Instead of an angry, fearful core, He gives us peace and joy. The war has been won, the chains can fall off. We are of the free woman.
The Galatian corruptors were convincing the people to put the chains back on. Just like the pharisees of Jesus' time. They were attempting to "make them twice the sons of hell" as themselves. That's why Jesus was rough with them, they were leading them astray.
There is a constant fight to retain freedom. Like we see in government, there is a constant pull towards tyranny. Oddly enough, there is a strange satisfaction by being under the law. It's almost a lazy surrender. I Cor 16:13 says, "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." This verse speaks of the warrior aspect of our faith. We need to always resist fear, doubt and slavery.
Lord, thank You for freeing us. Thank You for the blessing of being in communion with You. Help us to remain vigilant to stay close to You.