Freedom's Song

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?””

Acts 16:25-30 NIV

Often we view freedom as a place, but freedom is far greater than just a place. Freedom can be enjoyed no matter the circumstance. If we were to take the place of Paul and Silas, we would think that our freedom was lost, stripped from us by those who have the perspective of freedom. Many try to achieve freedom by getting out of debt, or moving to a new location far away from the troubles that enslave them. This might be achieved but something else will more than likely take its place. Understanding freedom can be quite difficult, but Paul and Silas understood what freedom really is. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25 NIV

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Colossians 3:1-4 NIV

Paul and Silas knew that freedom was not a place, but freedom is achieved through belief in Christ. If we view our lives with this understanding, then nothing can take our freedom. When we understand that nothing can take our freedom, then we can sing when everyone else is being held captive and just listening. Freedom’s song is something that we can sing no matter the circumstance or situation. For if we are already dead in our flesh, then life in the Spirit can be achieved. Let us remember the joy of our salvation and enjoy singing Heaven’s song. When the jailer viewed what true freedom looked like, he asked the question, “what must I do to be saved.”

Pastor Benaiah Snider