An Unfettered life...


Dear Friends,

I was in a conversation with some dear, wise friends who think deeply about their discipleship and take seriously the call to follow Christ. In the midst of the discussion we were talking about different aspects of ministry and in it the phrase was tossed out that we are called to and God wants us to live an "unfettered life". Fetters defined are...

Fetters, shackles, footcuffs, Legcuffs or leg irons are a kind of physical restraint used on the feet or ankles to allow walking but prevent running and kicking. Metaphorically, a fetter may be anything that restricts or restrains in any way, hence the word "unfettered".

It made me consider again a passage from Sunday's Old Testament Lesson and the calling of the Messiah...

"I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness."   (Isaiah 42:6-7)
 
 Jesus comes as the one who liberates us.  in the definition of "fetters" the phrase a kind of physical restraint that allows walking but prevents running - how many people in this life are satisfied with the limited freedom they are granted thinking that is all there is. They can function but their journey is encumbered, burdensome and laborious.  

I am convinced that Almighty God in the ministry of the Messiah, Jesus our Lord and Savior offers to us a freedom that is complete and liberating and something if we lean into our relationship with Christ will be growing more and more. It was fr freedom that Christ has set us free. When Jesus raises Lazarus from the grave (John 11) Lazarus emerges from the tomb resurrected from death but still bound in the "grave clothes".  This is a powerful image for us.  We have been called from death to life in Christ yet we often still are bound by the wrappings that cling to us.  We need to hear Jesus calling s forth to life and we need to hear the next words he speaks concerning Lazarus...  

"When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out."The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go.""   (John 11:43-44)

Jesus comes to set us free, to break the chains of bondage and in ransoming our lives by His cross the prison doors swing wide open and we emerge from the dungeons of this life with joy. 

What are the things that bind you and have you in "fetters"?  ... brokenness and disappointment from the past?  ...wounds from situations or words that have crushed your spirit? ...expectations of others? ...fear? The list could go on. 

This day press into the love of Christ, our liberator.  Embrace the deliverance He offers and walk in wholeness and healing.  This is why Jesus came.  This is our inheritance as sons and daughters, to live an unfettered life. By prayer and study, by the help of fellow pilgrims and followers, by devotion and worship, let Jesus break the chains.

A Few Things....

We are finishing our new directory if you want to make sure your information is current and if you would like to get a picture in it contact Shelly at shelly@incarnationoviedo.com

Offering envelopes for 2011 are available please pick them up at the Chapel on Sundays - If you would like to order envelopes email our bookkeeper Sarah Martin

Organic Discipleship continues
Wednesdays 7am for men (Eucharist / Breakfast / Study)
Thursdays 9:30am for women (Eucharist / Coffee / Study)

Morning Prayer - Weekdays 7:45am / St. Francis Oratory Chapel

For more Incarnation News Click Here