Devotion #2: Detentions, Suspensions, and Even Worse
I remember when I was in 7th grade, my class was so poorly behaved that the school had to put really strict rules in place to keep us under control. For example, if we had a substitute teacher and they wrote down one of our names for even the slightest disobedience or mistake, we were automatically issued a one-day suspension. I had to argue my way out of three suspensions that were almost issued to me for the most ridiculous reasons, like being a couple of minutes late to class or quietly talking to a friend after finishing my work (which, by the way, I was told was allowed). Sure, maybe I should not have been late to class, and I could have used my time more productively than talking to friends, but a suspension seemed like an extreme punishment for such small mistakes. The harsh regulations left no room for even minor errors, putting a lot of pressure on a bunch of twelve and thirteen-year-old kids. Fortunately, I switched schools in 8th grade and was relieved of the strict expectations at my previous school.
The idea of being set free from those harsh regulations brings me to the idea of our freedom in Christ. Romans 7:1 says, “Or do you not know, brothers - for I am speaking to those who know the law - that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives?” The Israelites were also bound under a strict Law full of rules, regulations, and sacrifices throughout the Old Testament. The Law was certainly good and had very real and valuable instructions on living a righteous life, but what the Law really did for the Israelites was reveal their desperate need for a Savior, as exemplified by their constant inability to follow that Law.
Jesus’ death on the cross is the death that ultimately freed us all from the burden of the Law. Jesus’ death did not abolish the Law from existence, it fulfilled it for us so we could be free from the consequences of the Law that we would have otherwise never been able to live up to. We no longer live under the Law; we live under grace and thank the Lord for that!
Where in your life are you still finding yourself feeling trapped by the shame and guilt of your sins? God does not want us to live in shame and regret over our sins; He calls us to find rest in His abundant grace. No matter how hard we try, we could never earn God’s favor. His favor is a free gift given to us through Jesus’ sacrifice. Take a minute today to thank Him that you are not defined by your unrighteousness, but by His righteousness.
In case you were wondering, no, I never actually landed myself a suspension in school, but I definitely spent my fair share of time in detention (haha)!
Finally, Galatians 5:1 (NIV) says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”