Gladys Berejiklian was the premier of New South Wales when she announced this weeks ago. When we hit 70% vaccinated, then the following Monday we would open up. She didn't like the term "Freedom Day" as it sounded like people would not be 'step by step' with the problems and we would be dismissive of the need for being circumspect. All that is water under the proverbial bridge. Canberra reported her issues here: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7443491/dont-call-it-freedom-day-nsw-premier/
This was channel 7's report at the low point in our lockdown.
I was pondering the march over the bridge, and the message. I had crossed that bridge hundreds if not thousands of times in my times in NYC, and my message was not about Australia, but it DID include salvation. I have given my life to the message of saving that God wants to extend to us all. In 1971 I was 'saved' by the grace of God and the gift of eternal life he gave to me. I wasn't seeking him, but in spite of my ignoring the Lord, he reached out through some significant people who offered the Gospel to me. I received forgiveness for all my sins and that is salvation. "Save Mendelsohn" would have been the words of the Bridge walkers that day, and God in his kindness got me. Thank you Lord!
Those protestors in NYC were not mentioning Freedom Day. But I cannot miss the chance to do so. True freedom is not in licentiousness. It's not in the disregard of God's plans and human suffering. Our freedom in NSW is only ours. Victoria is still in lockdown. Others are unable to travel across state borders. Freedom matters, and we have been longing for this for months. I'm personally delighted we will be able to eat and drink in places; we will be able to stand nearer each other in non-essential shops, and a feeling of letting loose will be experienced all over the state.
Even so, the apostle Paul warned us about our own freedoms in relation to others, who may not be feeling so free. He wrote the people of Galatia this warning. " You were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another." (chapter 5, verses 13-15)
Paul is echoing and even quoting Moses' teaching in Torah (Leviticus 19.18) and helping the believers in Galatia to enjoy freedom, but not to taunt the others, not to dismiss the others, in fact, he later writes, "Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfil the law of Christ." (6.2)
Enjoy Freedom Day and don't forget to extend freedom to others. Give, and it will be given you. It is in giving that we receive. That would make Gladys and the folks in NYC and more importantly, Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah, happy.
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