The Bondage of Freedom

“And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.” (Luke 15:12)

We live in a world where the system is such that every man is entitled to fundamental human rights. The United Nations describes human rights as rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. 

Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to freedom of movement and residence, the right to own property, the right to freedom of association, and many more. These rights are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is a milestone document in the history of human rights.

In the same vein, anyone who believes in Jesus Christ enjoys the redemptive covenant rights. The very day one accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, a covenant is established with God and every supernatural endowment God has promised starts manifesting.

From the opening scripture, Luke 15:12, the prodigal son demanded for his belongings from his father to enjoy himself. In this parable, he must have thought that he has the right to life and liberty, the right to freedom of opinion, movement, association and others.

In the course of enjoying his human rights, his sonship had a title attached to it – the Prodigal Son. Prodigal according to an online English dictionary means having or giving something on a lavish scale. This was exactly what Jesus narrated about him in verse 13 of Luke Chapter 15, “And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.”

Looking at Articles  1- 30 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there is need to protect, fulfill and promote all the human rights and freedoms set forth for sound and peaceful human existing, however, from God’s standards and principles, there are certain rights one has to think twice before enjoying.

Let’s look at the prodigal son as case in point. Jesus gave this parable to teach us one or more lessons, which we can apply to our daily life. The prodigal son knew he was free and has every human right, so he demanded for his own share of goods from his father. His father didn’t hesitate and gave him all he requested for. The prodigal son, after some days gathered all together the goods he received and took his journey into far country where he enjoyed his right to own property, the rights to freedom of movement, residence, association as well as right to rest and leisure.

In all of his adventure, he began to experience lack and want because there arose a mighty famine. He served in a pig farm and the worst happened to him when he began to feed on what the pigs ate.

Like this son, so many of us are endowed with skills, talents, beauty, health and wealth including money and so on; and use these in line with our values, choices or preferences. Many are wasting away their endowments, serving satan and his cohorts. Many have left their place of royalty and glory just to live a life they see as ‘freedom’.

This calls for great caution in deciding where to go, stay or belong. Where you go, stay or belong determines how you live your life. Identifying with satan and his kingdom never guarantees freedom. The only thing satan can offer any man is bondage; slavery to sin, sickness, disease, lack, stagnation, disgrace and so on. Satan blindfolds one to see what offends God as the right thing to do.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12

After pondering on his situation, the prodigal son realized his mistakes, took a decision and went back home. (Luke 15:17 – 20)

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18.I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19. And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”

Are you in bondage of sin, crisis, confusion and stagnation all in the name of enjoying ‘freedom’? It is high time you took a decision to come to Jesus. Jesus is ready to receive you just as the prodigal son’s father joyfully received him.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

The rights and freedom God can offer you surpass every other. The prodigal son went back home and was given a glorious welcome; he regained his place of royalty. Jesus is willing to embrace you as you take the greatest decision to accept Him as Lord and Savior today. Are you not tired of living in that bondage? Take a bold step to your place of royalty and everlasting freedom.

If you are yet to accept Jesus Christ into your life, say this prayer of salvation. Congratulations, if you said the prayer. Welcome to the family of God; join a local church, study your Bible, pray always, undergo water baptism and ask God to fill you with His Spirit. God bless you!

Sunday Omori