Paradox of Freedom

 

 

To do as we please

Is the freedom sought after,

Which is living a carefree life

Full of fun and laughter.

 

This is not the freedom

That we see in God’s Word

But there, we see a freedom

Hitherto untold.

 

A paradoxical freedom

That goes beyond self

And that seeks out a niche role

To build communal health.

 

Since none exists alone

But in a community,

Communal health is critical

To both you and me.

 

 

Freedom does not come

By dollars and sense,

Instead, real freedom was bought

By a sacrifice immense.

 

 

The sacrifice of one

Who willingly gave up

His ownership in heaven’s glory

For a bitter cup.

 

To die a death

That he did not deserve

Even after his declared innocence,

Was before this unheard.

 

I find no fault in him

Said the Roman judge

But those he came to set free

Would not budge.

 

Crucify him, they cried,

Over and over again

And our freedom cost Jesus

Incredible pain.

 

His blood flowed for all,

Not for himself

And thus, freedom was purchased,

And community health.

 

The Christian community

Wherever they be,

Once born again, they all have

Eternal liberty.

 

 

Slaves, but free,

Servants of Jesus Christ

Who willingly bought freedom

With his sacrifice.

 

Consequently, a new nature

God has given to us

Meaning those whose freedom

Is in Christ Jesus.

 

It is not an expectation

To do as we please

Or even to experience in life

Nothing but ease.

 

 

 

But a freedom to cope

With whatever may come,

A freedom that is only possible

In God’s incarnate Son.

 

A slave to something

Or someone we will be,

Why not to the one who created

Both you and me?

 

Stewart Russell © February 19, 2025