True Freedom
I heard this story in church many, many years ago. I’m sure I don’t have the details all correct, but I think I can give you the gist of it.
There was a bear that had been captured in its youth and sent to a small out-of –the way zoo. He was put into a cage large enough for him to walk a few paces around and around the perimeter and no more. He was never allowed out of the cage, and it remained his home year after year.
The time came when the little zoo was shut down for lack of revenue. The few animals that remained were sent to larger zoos, but it was decided that the poor bear deserved to be placed in a wildlife refuge where he could at long last experience some freedom.
He was transported to the refuge. When he arrived, he was released from the small transport, and the wildlife people scurried to watch from a safe distance. The bear looked around at his new surroundings – beautiful woods and lush vegetation – and then began to pace off the perimeter of his old cage. He had been confined for so long that even when presented with the opportunity for freedom he wasn’t able to embrace it. It was no use to him. He had to go back to his old life.
I think that there are times when I am much like that poor old bear. Jesus offers me freedom, and I choose to “walk the perimeter” of my old life – bound by the sins that so easily beset me. He has given me everything I need to break the chains that bind me. I have only to walk into that freedom that was purchased at such a great price.
True repentance and obedience allow Him to work in my life by the power of His Spirit and set me free. The very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to me. He has opened the door to the freedom that paradoxically comes from complete surrender to Him, and I only need to walk through it.
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NAS)
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,” Ephesians 1: 18-20 (NAS)
What a neat story…and oh so true. Even though we have been set free, sometimes we just back into the old habits. But thanks be to God that He will gently guide us back out-side the cage to enjoy true freedom.
Thank you so much for sharing from your heart, Linda. Have a blessed 4th of July weekend.
Linda,
Excellent… just a wonderfu story. You know sometimes freedom can seem so scary to a world that is lost. Loved the story and the bear.
Such a wonderful story, be blessed.
That is so like us on so many levels! What a great write!
This was a blessing to me~and something I need to share with my daughter—who is trying so hard to get away from the “confines” of her chains of sin…this will speak to her heart–thank you for these words of wisdom 🙂
Great story and wonderful analogy. Thanks again!
Powerful imagery! I’ve lived it. I’m now living free, Praise God!
peace~elaine
Incredible, powerful, anointed. Wowzer.
I have seen this even in my own life, scared to take the walk out of the comfort zone because there were bars before but no longer. Thank you for sharing this.