While at our ministry site in Cambodia, we were not really allowed to leave the orphanage compound. We were out in the middle of nowhere, a place very few white people go, and our contact was very cautious and concerned about our safety. Some days all we wanted was to go for a walk, but even that was looked down upon. So now that we’ve left there, I’ve been soaking up the city streets (in Battambang, Siem Riep, Bangkok, and Tagbilaran), walking wherever possible, dancing around my hotel room, and reveling in the freedom to be by myself. It’s an amazing feeling to be free after being cooped up for so long.
That’s the kind of freedom God wants to offer us too. He sees us living in bondage to lies, sin, money, relationships…anything, really…and it hurts Him. His heart breaks because we’re slaves to something. Jesus didn’t die on the cross so that we could be slaves…He died so that we might be set free!
For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (Romans 6:6-7). So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed! (John 8:36) And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
I wish I could say I wrote these lyrics, but they’re not mine to claim. That’s from a band called Go Fish, and the song is simply called “the Eagle Song.” I wish I could express myself this well without having to rely on other people’s words. But since my thoughts were expressed so well here, I’ll just let you read the words to the song:
I stood and watched an eagle glide / Spread his wings and soar across the sky / So gracefully he flew / Rising effortlessly / I wanted to know just how to be free
Tiny fingers curled ’round mine / Perfectly formed, new born / The image of two / Infinite mystery / I wanted to know where life comes from
What human intellect can’t sway / Must be explained away / Earth, wisdom, religions of men / Search without end to fill the spirit house within / Simplicity of God’s own power escapes men
I wished for the Eternal One / Patient he was waiting to reveal / His purpose in me / He said “this is where life begins” / I need your spirit to glide on the wind
God offers us freedom, just like the eagle. All we have to do is step out in faith, into the unknown, and trust that He is in control. When we are free in Him, we can experience the abundant life He offers us.
