Long-Promised Freedom
The Promise of New Freedom
And Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel! For he has turned to his people, saved them and set them free, and has raised up a deliverer of victorious power from the house of his servant David.So he promised: age after age he proclaimed by the lips of his holy prophets, that he would deliver us from our enemies, out of the hands of all who hate us; that he would deal mercifully with our fathers, calling to mind his solemn covenant.Such was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, to rescue us from the hands of our enemies, and grant us, [freedom] from fear, to worship him with a holy worship, with uprightness of heart, in his presence, our whole life long." Luke 1:67-75, NEB
Luke’s story of the coming Messiah has been read around the world by many generations of Christians. One of the highlights of the promised Messiah surrounds the birth of John, who will be known as “The Baptizer,” and his father, Zechariah. As we prepare for Christmas, let’s consider an amazing set of promises that Christ gives to us who live in an anxiety ridden world!
• To be rescued from enemy hands
What enemies do you seem to face regularly?
From which ones would you like to be rescued?
• To be set free from fear (anxiety)
What old anxieties keep you from worship?
What would it take to give your anxieties to Christ?
• To be able to fully worship God
What are your typical barriers to worship?
In what area of your life are you afraid for God to come near?
• To be in God’s presence forever
What would it be like if you were aware that you were living in God’s presence?
How would your confidence increase as you come to God?
During this Christmas Season, spend time reflecting on the four promises above. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you answer the questions below each promise, and keep a reflection journal of the four new freedoms that you are gaining. Merry Christmas!
Prayer
Search me O God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts; see if there is an offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
