DAY 4: FREEDOM TO HAVE A VOICE

In yesterday’s reading, we learned how slavery robs us of the freedom to be seen. But it also takes away our ability to speak up. Again we journey with Hagar to understand this a little bit better.

So Hagar went back to her mistress as God instructed and they all lived happily ever after. Or not… Sarah gave birth to her own son Isaac which added more complications to an already flammable situation (Genesis 21). Boys will be boys and mothers will be mothers. So one day when Isaac and Ishmael got into a row like most step-siblings do, Sarah did what all mothers do and took Isaac’s side. Unfortunately, Hagar was still a slave and had no opportunity to voice any defense for her son.

At Sarah’s orders, Abraham sent Hagar away over the incident. But the shocking part is that we do not read of a word being said to or by Hagar. The Bible merely tells us that Sarah demanded that Abraham got rid of her and he did so without warning or explanation. “So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away…” (Genesis 21:14, NLT).

In the New Testament, we read of a woman who was similarly silenced by slavery to sin. When a woman who was caught in the act of adultery was brought to Jesus for judgment, nobody gave her a chance to speak (John 8). But that is exactly what Christ came to do for us. He gives us freedom by being our voice against condemnation. “Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ ‘No, Lord,’ she said. And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I. Go and sin no more.’” (v. 10-11, NLT).

Do you feel like you are defenseless against the devil’s accusations about what happened in your life before? Are there areas in your life where guilt is keeping you in slavery to sin?

Let us accept the freedom that Christ bought for us on the cross. And let us live in boldness as He becomes our voice, speaking on our behalf to break free from slavery to sin. “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness… And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will” (Romans 8:26-27, NLT).

Scripture readings:

Genesis 21:8-14

John 8:1-11

Romans 8:26-30