Freedom offer

Freedom is both a powerful word and a powerful concept.

It is perhaps the most cherished aspect of western society.
We celebrate the 'freedom' that we have to elect our own government; the ‘freedom' we have to make our way in life; the ‘freedom' to express our own opinions and to live according to our preferences.  As Baptists, we cherish the freedom we have to worship God as each person is led.
But what is real freedom?  Do we really have freedom of choice?  In the forthcoming elections, the only freedom we really have is to choose whether or not to vote.  Our freedom of choice of political parties is restricted by what they, themselves, choose to offer.
The freedom we have to make our own way in life is also illusory. It is limited by wealth and opportunity.  Poverty and disadvantage - over which they have no influence - denies millions of even the most basic freedom of opportunity. 
How can someone experience real freedom when s/he does not have enough to eat or when s/he has no access to clean water and lives on less than 60 pence a day?
Jesus came to bring freedom.  He stood in the synagogue in Nazareth and proclaimed: 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.’ (Luke 4: 18-9)
Jesus was not just speaking about spiritual freedom that is ours through the forgiveness that he brings through his death and resurrection.  He was also speaking about the freedom that comes to all who live in a world that is one of fairness and justice.  Jesus also said: 'I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.' (John 10: 10)
Freedom is a highly cherished thing but is denied to many unless we choose to use our freedom - the freedom to speak out against the conditions and decisions that keep so many in poverty - on their behalf .
The Global Week of Action to ‘Make Poverty History’ is 10th to 16th April.
It is our opportunity to use the freedom we have to speak out and to press for a world in which no one is denied their freedom because of poverty.
We have the freedom to send campaign postcards to Tony Blair and other political leaders who have the influence to make real changes in the world.  We have the freedom to wear white bands to show our commitment to justice in God's world. Incidentally, these postcards and armbands will be available in church.
And we have the freedom to do nothing. Or do we?

by Graham Clarke.