But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Galatians 4:9 NIV
Set Free
Sadly, Canada has a history of slavery. What might surprise you is that overwhelmingly, for most of Canada’s history, the majority of slaves were Indigenous. While the dominant mode of slavery for the final 40 years of slavery in Canada was African, as, after 1783, American settlers brought their African slaves with them into the present day Maritimes, Ontario and Quebec after 1783. Indigenous slaves made up two-thirds of the slaves in Canada over the course of about 150 years.
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For many years I was involved in ministry in correctional institutions, and I met many inmates whose lives had been transformed by Jesus Christ. Not one of them ever said “my goal when I am released is to end up back inside as soon as possible.” Without exception they set their hearts on living on the outside differently than they did before they were arrested and incarcerated. Paul the apostle uses this analogy to paint a picture of how we who love Jesus ought to live our lives. In Galatians 4:9 we read “But now that you know God – or rather are known by God – how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, we are set free from the sin and guilt that has marked our lives. I’ve never met a new believer who has said, “now I’m going to go back to my sin.” Without exception, new followers of Jesus are determined to live a life free from the sin that enslaves. Follower of Jesus, keep that commitment strong as you live your life in Him and for Him today.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley