The Old Is Gone

Our Jack Russell Terrier, Harley, is gone! It's been two days now and I have the shakes, though I'm not sure if it comes from a latent release of seven years of stress, or whether I miss the stinker. No, he didn't meet his demise or run away. His true owner, our daughter Natalie, packed a suitcase full of his favorite things and took him home to Springfield.

It's strangely quite around the Root home. I can finally hug my sweet wife without the threat of being bitten on the leg by said "pooch." You see, he was a tyrant. He thoroughly believed it was his right to control the Root home with a iron paw. Harley even held to the idea that it was his job to protect anything and everything within the confines of the property. No bunny, no squirrel, no mouse or opossum, was safe when encroaching into his territory. The only exception was the cat, and that exemption was limited.

Let me explain then draw a spiritual conclusion. Chubby the Cat was in bondage. He was limited to 'hanging out' in only three different locations, even though he outdated the dog as a member of the family. In the morning, he was permitted one token nuzzle with King Harley, but was then relegated to either one particular chair or a single rug in the kitchen. Leaving any of those chosen spots would bring the wrath of the King down upon him. At precisely 9:00 every evening, if the cat was still in the house, the King would seek him out and ruthlessly direct him toward the door. Once outside, the cat could never go to the back yard as he would be diminished to the status of a mouse, squirrel, or rabbit and be promptly chased from the vicinity. You see, the King ruled all things well!

But suddenly, at 11:00 a.m. on Memorial Day, 2008, the earth moved. The bondage and slavery inflicted on the poor feline ended. The King, though not dead, was evicted, gone, poof; in a Malibu headed south. Salvation! Deliverance! Freedom! Peace! Security! A Future! It took a day, but the cat figured it out. His freedom was purchased by someone greater than he who has probably, by now, shed her own blood in bringing about the deliverance.

That is similar to what happens for anyone who turns to the real King, the real Deliverer, the True Redeemer: Freedom, deliverance, peace, a future, and a genuine witness that the old fallen nature has been subdued and a new life is waiting to be lived. Oh, that doesn't mean the old fear, or even the old temporary death-producing pleasures aren't missed; but they are beaten! I noticed that phenomenon with the cat this morning when I let him in the back door. He paused, waiting for his once-a-day nuzzle with the King. Nothing! He looked around, and I swear, it seemed like he shrugged his shoulders and headed straight for the living room. Freedom!

Are you free? Did you know that the old tyrant king called sin can be defeated? Did you know that the Son of God paid for it to be shipped as far as the east is from the west away from you? If not, do what is required: Admit you are beaten down by the tyrant of sin and death. Claim Jesus as your King. Pledge allegiance to Him. Follow him as your true leader, and kiss the old tyrant good bye!
Pastor Jim