A Simple Reflection
Sometimes, it’s easy to think that freedom is about doing whatever we want—making our own rules, living life our way. But when I think about true freedom, especially in the light of God’s teachings, I realize it’s something much deeper and more beautiful than just following our own impulses.
The passage from Hebrews 8:3-5 talks about priests, sacrifices, and the special instructions God gave Moses for building the tabernacle. It may seem old-fashioned, but there’s a powerful message hidden in those ancient instructions about freedom. God asked Moses to make everything exactly as He showed him—no shortcuts, no personal touches, no creative changes. Moses, as brilliant as he was, had to set aside his own ideas and simply follow God’s pattern.
Why? Because the earthly tabernacle was meant to reflect something far greater—the heavenly reality, God’s own presence. The tabernacle was full of symbols: the altar for sacrifices, the altar of incense for prayers, the holy of holies where the Ark of the Covenant stood, and the mercy seat with the glowing fire of God’s presence, the Shekinah. All of it was carefully designed to show God’s people what it means to come near to Him.
True freedom in God’s presence isn’t about improvising or doing things our own way. It’s about entering into a relationship with Him where we trust His wisdom and follow His loving instructions. The world tells us freedom means “no rules,” but in God’s kingdom, freedom means being exactly who He created us to be, walking in the pattern He designed just for us. It means letting go of our need to control every detail and instead resting in His perfect plan.
When we surrender our own blueprints and stop trying to add our own decorations to His pattern, we discover a peace and freedom that doesn’t depend on circumstances. Like the Israelites, we’re invited to come into God’s presence, not through our own efforts, but through the new and living way Jesus opened for us. He is the true High Priest who brings us into the holy of holies—not a shadow or symbol, but the real thing.
Finding freedom in God’s presence means trusting that His ways are best, even when we don’t understand. It means drawing near to Him, letting His glory shape us, and reflecting His love to the world. As the shadows fade and the true light shines, we become living reflections of His grace—free at last, not to live for ourselves, but to live in the joy and safety of His embrace.
In the end, true freedom is not found in pursuing our own desires, but in surrendering to the loving guidance of God. As we choose to trust Him and walk in His presence, we experience a freedom that surpasses anything the world can offer—a freedom rooted in faith, shaped by His wisdom, and filled with lasting peace. May we continually seek to dwell in God’s presence, allowing His love to transform us and lead us into the fullness of life He has prepared for us.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 