In the previous article, we saw that the foundation biblical definition of freedom (De’ror in Hebrew), has nothing to do with my will and having things my way. It refers to the action of being released from blockages that hinder me from walking in true obedience to the King of kings and serve Him in worship.
Maybe we could step back for a moment and have a look at the biblical definition of what it means not to be free. It will give us a better understanding of what true biblical freedom entails. The Hebrew picture that describes what it means not to be free, is mind blowing. Psalm 56:1 teaches us the following:
“…Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresses me.”
The Hebrew word, translated into the word “oppresses” in the scripture above, is the Hebrew word that describes, not being free. It is the Hebrew word La’chatz which is an action word. It describes the action of forcing something into a space, too small for it to fit and then damaging the object because of the force used to fit try and fit it into that small space. An example is, when you read Numbers 22:25, you read about Balaam’s donkey that saw the angel of the Lord and thrust herself unto the wall, crushing the foot of Balaam against the wall. The Hebrew word translated as “crushed” is the word La’chatz – to be forced into a small place.
The opposite of the Hebrew word La’chatz, obviously refers to wide open spaces and the ability to move freely, is the Hebrew word Chen. Are you ready for the meaning of this word dear creation of Abba Father? It is the word for… grace! Can you see Abba Father wanting to teach us something very profound in this picture?
Listen to the Hebrew context and meaning of the words La’chatz and Chen creation of God. It suggests that we should not expect grace from man. Expecting grace from man, will squeeze you into a confined space of their selfish requirements over you and bind you. But the picture continues. La’chatz is not only limited to other people but includes the expectations you set for yourself, that when done outside the word of Abba Father, can destroy and bind you. It continues to paint the picture that; we trample on the grace of God through man imposed or self-imposed expectations and opinions.
In the definition of true biblical freedom, we are set free from the bondage to follow Him in liberty in the wide, open space of His grace to obtain victory to His glory. Many times, we build man-made fences and then wonder why we can’t move. To push away the word of Abba Father, which is the truth that sets us free (John 8:32), will plunge us into the prison of man-imposed opinions, definitions of “brilliance” and cause division that robs us of true God-defined freedom in Him.
We need to wash our political opinions, economy, warped human rights policies, education system and every other arena in our country with the word of Abba Father again so that we can experience true freedom and serve Him the way He created us to worship Him. The enemy has accomplished to force a false definition of freedom unto us, being the absence of rules, laws and norms. He has managed to draw this false picture for us that Abba Father keeps a very close eye on us, for the reason of punishing us, the moment we move an inch to the left or the right. The mere existence of Abba Father limits our freedom is the lie that the enemy tries to force on us. This is not the picture that king David saw. If we read Psalm 119:45 we see something quite different.
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts” (NIV)
“And I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts” (KJ)
David says that the very reason he is free is because he seeks the precepts of Abba Father. The Hebrew word for precepts, Piq’ood, means to be appointed in a mandate of God. It also means, to be overseen and governed by the statutes and instructions of the Father. Listen to this creation of God. The mandate we receive from Abba Father lies in His instructions. When He mandates you for something, He promises to accompany you in that mandate. He says to Joshua, that those who resist you in the God given mandate will be like bread to you as He will secure victory over the enemy. The requirement however is obedience. Obedience to what? Obedience to His instructions. Quite the opposite of the definition of the world, right? King David says, I have been seeking your instructions and statutes Lord, therefore I walk in freedom.
Although Abba Father most definitely has His eyes on us, it is for a very different reason. Abba Father is paying attention to how He wants things ordered. He appointed Himself as overseer to care, deliver and redeem us, so that we can be with Him forever. Thank You Abba Father.
Prof Gerrie Bester PhD