when slaves don't know they are slaves

Today's Readings: Psalm 88, 91,92, Jeremiah 11:1-8,14-20, Romans 6:1-11, John 8:33-47

"They answered him, We are the offspring of Abraham and have never been  a slave to anyone. How is it that you say, 'you will become free'?'. Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever, the son remains forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed...you seek to kill me because my words find no place in you" John 8:34-36, 37b

People were  physical slaves know they are slaves. The marks on their  backs were evidence, as was the pain and blood that etched the scars forever on his body.  They could never forget them,  but they could escape the one who made them. Freedom could, however, cost them  their lives. Many slaves in America knew this risk to themselves and their families, yet they followed Harriet "Moses" Tubman and other Christians who worked the Underground Railroad to freedom. 

In a very real sense Jesus is telling us in this passage that we bear scars just as real, and that we are slaves as well. Our slavery, however, is our doing, not as with this innocent man. True, we were not stolen from our homes, we were tricked and went on our own accord (see Genesis 3). In the greatest reversal of all times, we were bought out of slavery, instead of into it.

Yet we refuse to admit we are slaves, just as the people Jesus was talking to in this passage. We suffer the delusion of our freedom. But our lives bear witness to scars in our lives. don't they?

Jesus tells us we are slaves, and points us to freedom (himself). But we don't hear the call or the way because we don't have ears to hear the songs of freedom. Why? We need to first admit that we are enslaved to sin as Jesus tells us. When we admit our position, we know which way to go. Then we will be free indeed!

Do you desire freedom? Are you willing to risk your life for it? "Anyone who will come after will take up his cross, deny himself and follow me. Who ever desires to save his life for my sake will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake and the sake of the Gospel will save it.

Join me friends as we walk to freedom