Abundantly free

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people - free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! Ephesians 1:7 The Message

His blood - Us, abundantly free.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. John 10:10 AMP

His life - Us, full and overflowing life

Over the past few weeks God has been teaching me about pain - physical pain that serves only to hinder life, the abundant life that He has given us. Physical pain that leads to emotional pain as you watch others suffering, feeling helpless. 

But what if physical pain serves to give life? We know it happens in childbirth, so why not in other areas of life? Maybe, just maybe, the physical pain causes us to go to a deeper more intimate relationship with Jesus, as we seek Him in the pain. He knows about pain. He experienced pain in every way possible. 

For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted(tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]. Hebrews 2:18 AMP

And He experienced it for a reason - to give us life. Life with our Heavenly Father - forever.

Therefore Jesus also suffered and died outside the [city's] gate in order that He might purify and consecrate the people through [the shedding of] His own blood and set them apart as holy [for God]. Hebrews 13:12 AMP

His suffering served to set us apart for God, to enable us to have an intimate relationship with God. But not only to give us the opportunity to live freely, but to help others see what Jesus has done.

"I am the Vine,  you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing." John 15:5 The Message

Because when we join with Jesus, the harvest is sure to be abundant, more people will come to the place where they will live life abundantly free.

Question for today, are you living in the freedom Jesus has given you, despite what is happening in your life? If not, ask Him today to show you how to be abundantly free despite your circumstances. And get ready, as it will probably involve some gentle mindset changes as He aligns your thoughts with His.