About 12 years ago we received a black iron obelisk. We set it in the yard and planted honey suckle at the base. 12 years have gone by and the obelisk has become invisible. The vines wrapped in and around and choked themselves and over grew and died off. It was time for a change. My job was to set the obelisk free. As I struggled to cut the vines free it made me think of a verse in Hebrews.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3 – NIV
Sin + time can leave our lives looking like this. Jesus has come to set us free. The Christian life is compared to running a race. It isn’t a sprint. It is a marathon. It is very hard to run a marathon but imagine running with these vines wrapped all around our legs. Difficult if not impossible. Jesus came to set us free to run unencumbered. Need help getting set free? Just ask him.
I originally wrote this post a while back. It popped up in my memories today. Today was also the day to read Psalm 32. Psalm 32 is about confession and repentance and forgiveness and freedom. I thought it fit here.
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!”
Psalm 32:1-11 – NIV
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