We’re all in service to someone or something all the time, but the quality of the master determines the weight of the yoke.
I rarely make all or nothing statements, but as far as I can tell, this one rings true unto eternity.
The motto, “Land of the Free” is the very fabric of our culture, & “the freedom to ____” is at the heart of most political platforms. Yet, rarely do we ask what freedom is for.
We know freedom comes with a cost. It’s why we celebrate with national holidays, but once freedom is won, then what?
Freedom from ANYTHING becomes a hamster wheel pursuit unless The One Who bought our eternal freedom with His very life is involved in the process. If we don’t allow Him the helm, His protection lifts & we’re vulnerable to other masters.
That’s what happened to King Rehoboam, the son of King Solomon. The success & freedom his forefathers secured is shattered by self-serving pride within moments of his kingship. His kingdom splits in two & he’s left with a fraction of a nation.
He eventually establishes his rule, however, in his success, he forgets his God, abandons the Law of the Lord & all of his people follow suit.
Not long after, his blatant sin takes human form as God allows the King of Egypt to attack. Rehoboam repents, & God relents. God doesn’t completely destroy them, but does make them subject to Egypt, “so they will know the difference between serving me & serving earthly rulers.”😳
If we’re completely honest, we’re all serving someone ALL the time…every single choice we face, & every subsequent decision we make serves some sorta master: God, others or self.
Jesus secured our freedom SO THAT we can live free from the wiles of sin eternally!
Rehoboam has a kingdom handed to him on a golden platter & he uses that freedom for his purposes, forgetting Who placed him there & how he is called to lead!
Freedom & success can tempt us into a state of complacency, causing us to forget Who set us free. When God is not our Master, our borders become vulnerable to attack by little masters who impose a heavy yoke!
Jesus PROMISES to be a light & easy Master.
Of all the masters you permit in your life right now, which one died for you?
2 CHRONICLES 11:1-13:22
ROMANS 8:26-39
PSALM 18:37-50
PROVERBS 19:27-29
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