In the movie Escape From Sobibor, the real life story is told of the uprising of the prisoners in that notorious Nazi death camp. One of the most striking scenes takes place when the uprising begins and large numbers of prisoners begin to make their escape. Though most of the guards had been overcome and the gates had been broken open, there were a number who just stood by, watching. Freedom was there, in the tree line of the nearby forest, but they didn't move towards it. Why? Why remain in a place of torment? I think I understand why. I've seen so many "prisoners" who have remained in their "cells" when the offer of freedom in Christ is right before them....yet they make no move towards Him.
Those held captive in Sobibor had been prisoners for a long time. It was what they knew, miserable as it was. Running into the unknown of the forest involved great risk. If they were to step out beyond the gates and barbed wire of their prison, they'd be entering into unknown territory facing unknown dangers and challenges. Their fear of that was greater than their hatred of their present condition.
In my now, 40 years of pastoral ministry, I've seen so many, even many of God's people, do the same. Before them lies the promise of freedom. Freedom from painful and often destructive addictions, emotional and spiritual wounds, cancerous attitudes, and self-destructive behaviors. They've been presented with the promise of His freedom, but they remain in captivity. Why? I believe the answer is found in chapter 1 of the book of Joshua.
Moses, the leader of Israel for a generation has died. Everything has changed. God tells Joshua in verse 2, "You must lead My people across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them." Into the land. A land populated by mighty peoples who would oppose the Israelites at every turn. God had called a nation of slaves to be a nation of conquerors. He would transform them, but the fullness of the transformation wouldn't take place until they crossed the Jordan. They had to step out and forward to experience His transforming and miraculous grace. His ways haven't changed. He calls us to do the same. Each of us has our own Jordan we must cross in order to live in His promised freedom.
I have witnessed and sought to minister to so many who say they want to be changed, to be free of whatever chains hold them. Yet they continue living in those chains. I think they do because at root, they'd rather not "cross the Jordan." Many are willing for Christ to transform them and set them free, but they want it without any movement on their part. They don't want to go forward into their own unknown. They've gotten used to their prison cells. They've gotten used to living on the wrong side of the Jordan.
If you're living on the wrong side of the Jordan, what's keeping you there? Are you always hearing about the promise of His freedom yet never actually experiencing it yourself? Have you watched others "escape" their chains while you remain where you are, watching, observing, but still a prisoner? He stands with you on this side of the Jordan, your Jordan, and asks only that you take that first step towards Him. Not looking or focusing on the unknown, but upon the One you can know, do know. By grace, He takes your hand. By grace, as you embrace Him in your brokenness, He breaks the chains. By grace, He carries you over. By grace, you're now on the right side of Jordan....and freedom.
Leave your Sobibor. Take that step forward in Him. Experience what Wesley wrote in his great hymn. "I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; my chains fell off, my heart was free. I rose, went forth, and followed Thee." Rise. Go forth. Follow Him....to the other side of the Jordan.
Blessings,
Pastor O
No comments:
Post a Comment