Freedom

One of my favorite lines from the movies comes from the fourth episode of Star Wars: Governor Tarkin tells Princess Leia that the Death Star is operational and that, with its power, no one will dare oppose the Emperor. Leia responds, “The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers.”

I was reminded of that scene when one of our members asked me a few days ago, “What in the world is happening in the world?” She was speaking of the situations in several countries in the Middle East and North Africa; people rising up against the dictatorships that for decades have ruled them. In country after country, protestors have gathered in community squares threatening the stability of, what they see as, their oppressive governments. It is a fascinating phenomenon first of all because these protests have been enabled by the availability of the social network. They are being called “The Tweeter Revolutions” and “The Facebook Rebellions.” They were initiated, organized and held together by the protestor’s ability to communicate with one another via these tools. Some of the most powerful regimes in the world are toppling over at the hands of a “tweet.”

The other interesting part of this phenomenon is the recognition of a powerful drive within nature for freedom. The rabbit gnaws off its leg to escape the trapper’s snare and we, as human beings, will do whatever it takes to be free. That is why we “Remember the Alamo,” honor our soldiers and are thankful we live in this country. Now protestors, knowing the odds against them, are the next Davids facing their giants.

As I marvel at their bravery, I can’t help but think of the freedoms of our faith. God frees the Israelites from their captivity in Egypt. When they are fleeing the Egyptian army and come up against the Rea Sea, they are faced with their capture and return to slavery or death. God makes a way for them through the sea, dividing the waters and drying the sea bed so they can flee to their freedom. Jesus on the cross frees us from our slavery to sin and, through eternal life, from the sting of death. God is in the freedom business and God continues to seek to free us from whatever imprisons us – greed, addiction, anger, hurt, low self-esteem, etc. I invite you to join the thousands around the world who are fighting the odds with a vision of what freedom can bring and allow God to guide you to a new life.