"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
There was once this flying squirrel that lived in a cage...in our utility room...in the basement of our Birmingham home (nice life, huh?). Up to that point in my life he was the cutest little creature I ever saw. I have no idea how he came to live in our house, I just know daddy introduced us to him and it was love at first sight.
Sonya and I would check on him before we left for school and soon after arriving home, to be sure he had food and water. I have to admit, I was a little sad to see him trapped in that little cage, hanging on to cold, hard wire instead of tree bark. We fed him bird feed instead of acorns and he drank water from a tiny little bowl that sat in the bottom of his prison cell (he probably called it that when we weren't around). There was no room in that cage for him to expand his little parachute-like wings to catch air for an afternoon glide.
I would often catch myself throughout the day wondering what he was doing or what he might be thinking being trapped in such tight quarters, when before he had the whole wide world as his home. Did he feel he was being cornered in this detention center for punishment for a crime he might or might not have committed? I don't know all the answers but, no worries, he was only with us for two weeks before he became MIA.
On that particular day Sonya and I ran home from the bus stop and descended down the stairs as fast as our legs would carry us to check on the fury creature, but what we found was an empty cage; the door standing wide open. When we informed daddy of our plight he was sorry but had no idea what could have happened. We searched that utility room over, even exploring into the house to find our little friend. We never saw him again but I have to say I felt better knowing he was free.
Don't you know that is what Jesus desires for us. He set us free from our sins that so easily entangles us. He took care of it all on the cross. The sin we ask forgiveness for over and over but keep holding onto because of the guilt that traps us and holds us for ransom. The sin that is like a weight around our necks committing us to life in prison when Jesus broke open those doors and expects us to go free in His love and acceptance of who we are in Him.
"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb. 12:2)
That little squirrel was set free, (I think mama and daddy had something to do with that) so like him let's expand our wings and live our lives free indeed.
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, May we lay aside every weight and the sin that ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Heb. 12:1). Help us to embrace the freedom You provided on the cross so long ago. Thank You for freedom from my sins. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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