Freedom for the Religious

I Kings 18:29
“Midday passed, and they kept on raving until the time of the evening sacrifice. But there was no response; no one answered, no one paid attention.”
This is a picture of religious devotion outside of Christ. Much effort with little return. It’s exhausting.
Within ourselves, we are never satisfied with the effort given. We are sinners, so our consciences will never give us a break. There is always something to feel guilty about. It’s a cruel taskmaster.
God has something different to offer. Jesus gives us good news in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.”
Most aren’t aware of this. The devil hates God and everything He loves. So, he hates us and seeks to destroy us. So, he has a campaign of lies to distort God’s message. Unfortunately, it’s very successful.
This doesn’t deter God. He is still reaching out to rescue all. Romans 10:29 says, ‘But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”’ What is true for Israel is true for all. Jesus says in John 12:32, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all to Myself.” Jesus was lifted up and crucified, so He is drawing all to Himself. Even though we are deceived and don’t want Him, He reaches out to us.
We just have to accept Jesus’ offer to come. We might feel alone out of everyone’s hearing. But God hears. He will answer if we call. Such a faithful and loving God. He is able to help millions at the same time. He’s God and He is able.
The one trapped in a cycle of religious service that brings no satisfaction can be rescued if he calls out. This is great news to the religious person. He can be connected to the real God.
More great news is that Jesus paid the price. We don’t have to do anything to earn God’s great gift of salvation, but ask and believe. A great sigh of relief comes. Even as a young christian I felt obligated to do service. While not bad, but the motive was wrong. I was doing things that came to mind to retain salvation.
Don’t we have to obey God? Yes, but not to earn salvation. And that kind of obedience doesn’t come often. Once a month maybe. I’m not referring to sin. That’s never ok.
The religious person has fear of God’s voice, as it involves a task. No so with the christian. Romans 8:15,16 says, ‘For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God’. We don’t fear God in a bad way. He’s our Father whose adopted us. Our spirits cry out to Him. The Spirit testifies in our hearts that we are His. Such an amazing contentment and joy that He gives.
Lord, thank You for freeing us from religion. You’ve adopted us and accepted us. We are a blessed people. Thank You.