February 26: FROM EVIL TO TRANSFORMATION
“…if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
These are simple and profound words of Jesus to ponder. If someone needs to be freed, does that not mean that someone is in bondage? The Savior taught us to pray “deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). This prayer to be delivered from evil reveals a great truth: we are in need of rescue from something, or several somethings, that if not dealt with, will block the way of entry into God’s eternal kingdom. His plan is to extricate us from the predicament of bondage to sin and evil.
When Adam fell, he lost his position as God’s appointed steward of the earth. In essence, he handed it over to Satan. Scripture refers to Satan as the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). While we look forward to the full revelation of the kingship of Jesus at His coming, we must agree that we are currently living in enemy-occupied territory. But many may not grasp that we are enemy-occupied territory! Every human heart is the place where the principles of sin (pride and selfishness) have come to reside. The problem is magnified as these principles take up such a comfortable residence in our hearts and minds that we prefer to live by them instead of regarding God’s perfect standard as the one to live by.
Because of God’s deep love and tender care for us, our predicament becomes His predicament. He loves us, but He hates sin (defined as the breaking of His law in 1 John 3:4). We tend to love sin. But this problem is met with the good news that God wants you and me to live with Him eternally. This requires a change of course that begins with recognition of the need for a new birth. From there, every need will be met as we learn to cooperate with our Rescuer.
…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever… 1 Peter 1:23
I need a new heart. He said:
“I will give you a new heart.” Ezekiel 36:26
I need a new mind; a new way of thinking that is free from the principles of sin and selfishness.
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Jesus Christ.” Philippians 2:5
I need a new Father.
“I will be to Him a Father.” Hebrews 1:5 (contrast with John 8:44)
I need a new home.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions … I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
Beloved, our prayers for deliverance from evil must be understood and prayed with a desire for the indescribably glorious freedom of God’s truth. Give praise to Him today as you look to Him, leaning upon His grace for total transformation!