As I sat down at the desk this morning I reached for my blue notebook, my journal, and I slowly opened it before me. I reached for a pen and with a sincere heart and intent I began to write. It was just me, God, and my journal. My thoughts, my fears, my requests…I began to share them with God through written word. As I wrote I poured out my heart to Him. Our present situation (which is less than ideal), our future, our needs…all being presented to my Daddy God. It’s kind of like a little kid who’s having a hard time and crawls up in the comfort of his daddy’s lap and begins tell him all about it. That’s how I pictured myself this morning. I was asking Him for help and guidance. Then I paused for a second and a thought entered my mind. There are millions of people who have it so much worse than me…what about them. Now I don’t think this nullifies my needs for God to show up in our situation or the requests I spoke to him about, but it definitely puts them into perspective.I began to pray for the all of those who have it worse than me. I prayed for those who were hungry and thirsty. I prayed for those who are dying and full of disease due to unclean drinking water. I prayed for the oppressed and for those sold into bondage as a part of human trafficking. I prayed for those in the brothels and those on the streets. I prayed for those living in captivity to various addictions. I prayed for those who are spiritually lost and in need of the Liberating King. So many people, so many needs. Lord I pray for justice and mercy in their lives.

I think we all could use a little bit of perspective at times. When you talk to God, while you’re driving down the road, while you sit in silence, when you begin to worry about your problems, think of others. Think of the “least of these” who have it far worse. Pray for them. Then ask yourself, “What can I do for them?”

“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows.”
Isaiah 1:17

liberating - tending to set freeliberate - To release from restraint or bondage; to set at liberty; to free; to manumit; to disengage; as, to liberate a slave or prisoner

I love Christ being referred to as “The Liberating King”. He came to liberate us; to release us from the restraint and bondage of sin, to set us at liberty, to free us. We were slaves and prisoners and he liberated us and set us free. What a beautiful picture.

A woman came to draw water from Jacob’s well. She was in bondage by her past, her present situation, and by her reputation. She had to go alone to the well and draw because of who she was and what she had done. Along comes Jesus, a Jewish Rabbi, The Liberating King and he set her free.

A woman caught in adultery was humiliated and dragged before this same Jewish Rabbi; Jesus, The Liberating King. “What shall we do with her?” the accusers asked. “Moses’ law says to kill those caught in this act. Should we stone her?” Jesus bends down and draws in the dirt then says, “Let him who is without sin, him who is completely innocent of their own wrong doing, throw the first stone.” He draws a little more then looks up only to find the woman. “Where are your accusers?” he asks. “I don’t guess I have any, they all left.” she replies. “Then neither do I condemn you. Go on your way and sin no more.” He liberated her. Set her free. Gave her new life.

So many people look at following Jesus as being so restrictive when in all reality it is the most liberating thing one can do…become a follower of Jesus, The Liberating King.