Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He defeated the works of hell and the power of the devil by taking back the keys to life. After Adam’s fall into sin, the entire human race was bound in slavery to Satan’s power of sin, deception, and death. The miracle of the Incarnation is that God sent His Son, Jesus to die on the cross for all of humankind. The divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ is absolutely essential to the plan of salvation. A member of the human race had to be found upon whom Satan had no claim. The divine genius of the virgin birth allows for Jesus to be fully human, and yet fully divine. Because Jesus was an authentic human being, he was able to enter the legal fight to reclaim Adam’s lost estate. When Jesus came and lived a sinless life, he was able to take back the keys to life and death.

However, this does not guarantee that every individual will respond to Christ as their Lord and Savior. The responsibility of every follower of Christ is that we are called to graciously offer this gift of salvation to the people we come in contact with. On this Fourth of July holiday weekend when our country is celebrating its independence and freedom, it is fitting for me to read this verse and offer true and eternal freedom that is only found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus shed His blood for you and it would be tragic if you squandered that by not receiving the gift of eternal life by receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

I don’t want to squander this powerful gift of freedom that Jesus came to give through His death and resurrection. The challenge for me here is not just to live for Jesus so that I can experience His saving grace and have eternal life. I have a sense of urgency that Jesus has called all of us as believers to be instruments of wholeness and freedom for those who are held captive by Satan’s lies and sin.

I am called to pastor God’s people and to inspire His people everywhere to live for Jesus and walk in the freedom He came to give us. Walking in freedom means to live a life of service to the King rather than the typical American lifestyle that is enslaved to hedonism and the selfish pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. I am never freer than when I am serving my Lord and Savior. When I follow the King, I know my life is counting for eternity and I experience all of the benefits of His Kingdom. I wouldn’t trade that for all the material wealth this world has to offer.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the freedom that is found in serving you. I am so blessed when I know I’m doing your will. Thank you for freeing me from my own selfish pursuits and desires. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can walk in the power of your Spirit and walk in freedom. Thank You for reminding me this day that the power of your Spirit rests on people who will surrender to your will and serve the purposes of the Kingdom. Help me to keep that passion that You have for reaching out to lost people who still need to be delivered from the fear of death.