What Price Freedom

The overwhelming cost of freedom from tyranny, abuse, and persecution! Today we are probably more aware of that cost than ever before. Modern communication networks can inform us almost immediately of atrocities anywhere they happen. With each new threat, we experience anew the cost in lives, resources, and the time that it takes to undo such deplorable conditions for masses of humanity.

When it comes to freedom from the sin that lives in each of us, all the negative factors come to the fore in stark relief. From sin in us grows disruption and destruction between us at every level of social existence. Here a curious, striking point comes full bore: this freedom is free! All we have to do is accept it! Yet we find it hard to accept the freedom we want! How strange! It does not cost any money, any resources, any time. We don’t have to conquer something else to get it.

Evil at this level is what we address in the Lord’s Supper, that we accept when we take the cup and loaf. We disavow any inclination not to accept what is free, and we show our receiving what we really want.