Tag: Oppression

The Hand

In the Old Testament we find a great contrast between deliverance by the hand of the Lord and oppression by the hand of Israel’s enemies.

God’s hand holds both consequence and reward. While God’s hand creates fear, it also instills hope. “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Yet, Jesus sits at the right hand of the majesty on high and intercedes for us.

We are instructed to humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God.”

The hand of leadership leads out of humility and provides hope.

We have an opportunity to make a difference with the use of our hand.

Freedom

Nelson Mandela often spoke about physical freedom from oppression and poverty. He once said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Note the spiritual application. Our freedom from the consequences of sin is not simply about casting off our own chains. We need to live in a way that will demonstrate respect for others and help them enjoy the same level of freedom.

Here is where our leadership will determined.

The death of Jesus is a foundation for all who will come to Him. Lead to that freedom.

Lead to Freedom…

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela

Mandela spoke about the physical freedom from oppression and poverty, but consider a spiritual application.

Our freedom from the consequences of sin is not about casting off our own chains. We need to live in a way that demonstrates respect for others and assists them to enjoy the same level of freedom.

This is leadership.

The death of Jesus is foundational for our life and for all who come to Him. Let us lead others to the true freedom.