There is no sound like the sound of chains sliding and clinking, of bars clanging, of locks clicking.
There is no sound like the sound of chains breaking and falling, of cages flopping open, of locks fraying, of freedom flapping.
The sudden silence. Then steps at first reluctant and then rapidly running and fading into the distance.
What does freedom look like and sound like? Free from oppression, fear, addiction, suffering, isolation, those persistent destructive habits?
“Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Freedom. That is what John the Baptist is proclaiming and pointing toward, the One who is free and who is setting the world free from slavery to the power of sin.
Behold the one who breaks the chains.
This is much bigger than being made right with God so that we can go some place nice when we die.
This is about freedom to live. About God bringing divine freedom to the land of bondage.
Freedom is the human vocation, our God breathed purpose, our God spoke calling.
And freedom only remains freedom when it is used to serve and suffer for others.
The Gospel lesson today shows us the divine pattern of freedom.
John points to the one who is freedom. Two disciples follow the freedom bringer. They then invite others to be set free. And Simon sees and is given a new name, his true name, Cephas, Peter, the Rock.
We are each called by God to be free, free to love, free to serve, free to forgive.
Freedom is our divine destiny.
Is that how we understand the life of faith?
Do we think of freedom when we think of those who carry and speak Jesus name? Is that the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Christians? Those who bring freedom?
Or as those who bring just another run of the mill condemnation, exclusion and control? More of the same, the pointing of the finger
The Gospel freedom that we are called to, the fully alive humanity that we are being born again into, is not more of the same, not just another excuse to cultivate indignation and close doors.
It is a breath of fresh air.
Come see the one who is like no one else, a freedom that I never knew or imagined, the Lamb of God. “Behold”, John the Baptist says.
How do we live this holy mystery of being set free? Of being good news that really is good news?
Grace Church, we proclaim and celebrate that mysterious and uncomfortable gift of holy freedom, we are sent out to carry that gift, that sacrament to a people in bondage. It is our calling, our true name, Grace.
There is no sound like the sound of chains sliding and clinking, of bars clanging, of locks clicking.
There is no sound like the sound of chains breaking and falling, of cages flopping open, of locks fraying, of freedom flapping.
The sudden silence. Then steps at first reluctant and then rapidly running and fading into the distance, singing, “Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”