The Message Given at
Manhattan Meeting of the Religious
Society of Friends:
7/6/2008
By Noel Palmer, Pastor
Text: John Gospel 8:36: “If the Son therefore shall make you free you shall be free indeed.”
As we consider the significance of this weekend to this nation, one of the words that looms large in our minds is freedom. Indeed, the feeling of rejoicing and merry-making will be evidenced in parks, backyards, and beaches. Throughout towns and villages many will be caught up in celebrating the two hundred and thirty-second birthday of our nation. The shout of freedom will be heard in songs and patriotic remembrances throughout the country.
While it is good to rejoice and give thanks for the benefits we enjoy it is also necessary to pause and consider the true meaning of the freedom we celebrate. The passage chosen for consideration in the service today, is John’s Gospel 8:36. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” These are Jesus’ words which he spoke to people who professed belief in Him and to whom he said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed…and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”
The freedom that Jesus is talking about is quite different from the casual boundless restraint or reckless abandon that pervade the irrational behavior of the individual who thinks or says he or she can do whatever he or she wants.
The first indication of the behavior of the person who accepts and believes in the freedom that Jesus gives is change in the quality of life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says it very clearly “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”
A second factor in the change that comes to the person who accepts the freedom of Christ is the relationship that develops between the individual and the Spirit of Christ. In His own experience of the temptation our Lord showed that as He remained dependent upon the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit He was enabled to overcome the temptations of the Devil.
Jesus’ promise that “if the Son therefore makes you free you are free indeed” reminds the believer that His Divine presence is always an everlasting abiding force, with-holding , sustaining, and supporting the believer always.
Amen.
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