“Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.” John 8:36
When our son was in elementary school, I can remember seeing him play in the front yard. It didn’t matter what activity or sport he was enjoying, there was a freedom of adventure and playful energy that he lived-out for hours on end. I blink my eyes and remember my own imaginative games and activities as a kid – and then blink again and life becomes “serious” filled with adult expectations and responsibilities.
Sometimes we picture Jesus as the grown man who only associated with adults as He taught the religious leaders how God’s story in the Old Testament was being fulfilled, forgave sins and healed the sick, and promised eternal life. In that time and culture children were kept away from adult-activities (“kids should be seen and not heard” sound familiar to your upbringing?). While the grown-up Jesus is the story of the Bible, I often imagine that Jesus took time to play with children. Maybe He played the first game of tag, or challenged the kids to skipping stones on the shore of The Sea of Galilee? Regardless of what Jesus did, He was caring, joyful and lived with freedom knowing of His Father’s love and provision.
A new year brings a fresh beginning and for many resolutions of promise.
The greatest resolution anyone can make is to follow Jesus Christ and accept His promise of eternal life (John 3:16). I pray that you will trust your life to Jesus, follow Him and give Him whatever burdens, worries or needs you have.
He wants to set you free!