Embracing Spiritual Freedom and Unseen Support

Devotional

Day 1: The Lord’s Presence and Protection: We Are Never Alone

Even when we feel surrounded by challenges or temptations, we are not alone; the Lord’s angels are always with us, offering protection, comfort, and gentle guidance. The story of Elisha and his servant reminds us that there is a spiritual reality beyond what we see, filled with heavenly support and care. When we are tempted or afraid, we can remember that there are more with us for good than against us, and that the Lord’s love surrounds us at all times. The angels are present to inspire good feelings and help us choose what is right, never forcing us, but always encouraging us toward kindness and truth. [11:53]

2 Kings 6:15-17 (ESV)
When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Reflection: When have you felt alone or overwhelmed? Can you pause today and ask the Lord to open your eyes to the unseen support and love that surrounds you, trusting that you are never truly alone?

Day 2: The Law of the Pledge: Respecting Spiritual Freedom

True spiritual teaching honors the freedom of others; we are called to share truth and love without intruding into another’s mind or pressuring them to accept our beliefs. The law that the lender must stand outside and let the borrower bring out the pledge teaches us to respect the inner privacy and freedom of each person’s heart and mind. When we try to force agreement or manipulate responses, even with good intentions, we risk disrupting the Lord’s gentle work within another soul. Instead, we are to offer what we believe with kindness and let each person respond freely, trusting the Lord to guide them in their own way and time. [33:42]

Deuteronomy 24:10-11 (ESV)
When you make your neighbor a loan of any sort, you shall not go into his house to collect his pledge. You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you make the loan shall bring the pledge out to you.

Reflection: Is there someone in your life whom you are tempted to pressure or persuade to see things your way? How can you practice standing “outside” today, offering your love and beliefs with respect for their freedom?

Day 3: The Power of Freedom in Spiritual Growth

The Lord deeply values our freedom to believe and love as we choose, and all His providence is designed to protect and nurture that freedom. Faith is a personal commitment between each soul and the Lord, and genuine spiritual growth happens only when we are free to respond to truth from our own heart. Attempts to compel belief—whether by fear, obligation, or emotional pressure—can never produce living faith, and the Lord must restore freedom before true faith can take root. The Lord’s way is gentle, inviting us to persuade ourselves and to choose what is good and true from within, so that faith becomes alive and joyful. [32:21]

2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life do you feel pressure—either from yourself or others—to conform or believe a certain way? How might you invite the Lord to restore your freedom and guide you gently into deeper faith?

Day 4: Teaching with Delight, Not Pressure

We are called to share our beliefs and values with delight and affection, making truth attractive and good, but never using fear, guilt, or emotional manipulation to gain agreement. The Lord urges us to present our ideas well, to communicate our own joy in what we believe, and then to allow others the quiet space to reflect and respond in their own way. When we teach or share from genuine love, without intruding or insisting, we make room for the Lord to work within others, creating faith that is peaceful, joyful, and truly their own. [41:53]

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

Reflection: Think of a conversation you need to have about your faith or values. How can you prepare to share your beliefs with genuine delight and respect, leaving space for the other person’s own response?

Day 5: The Lord Alone Creates Living Faith

Living faith is born when we freely respond to truth, allowing the Lord to gently inflow with His peace and make our beliefs alive and joyful. When we try to force or rush another’s acceptance, we may hinder the Lord’s work and make it harder for true faith to grow. The Lord’s Word, like rain and snow, accomplishes its purpose in its own time, bringing forth joy and peace when received in freedom. Our role is to trust the Lord’s timing and methods, keeping the law of the pledge so that faith may flourish in those we love and in ourselves. [46:31]

Isaiah 55:10-12 (ESV)
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

Reflection: Is there someone whose spiritual journey you are anxious about? How can you entrust them to the Lord’s care today, praying for His Word to accomplish its purpose in their life in His perfect timing?

Sermon Summary

Today’s reflection centers on the profound story of Elisha and his servant, who, when surrounded by a hostile army, discovered that the spiritual reality around them was far richer and more protective than what their eyes could see. The servant’s fear was met with Elisha’s prayer that his eyes be opened, revealing a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire—angels sent to guard them. This story is not just about ancient prophets but about each of us. Often, we feel alone or overwhelmed, especially when facing temptation or adversity. Yet, unseen spiritual support surrounds us, guiding and uplifting us, even when we are unaware.

This theme of unseen support leads into a deeper exploration of spiritual freedom. The Lord treasures our freedom to choose what we love and believe. This freedom is so sacred that even God does not force us to accept truth or goodness; instead, He gently invites and inspires. The law of the pledge, as described in Deuteronomy, illustrates this principle: when lending, one must not invade another’s home to seize collateral, but wait outside and allow the borrower to bring it forth. Spiritually, this means we must respect the inner sanctity of another’s mind and heart, never coercing or manipulating them into agreement with our beliefs or values.

The temptation to intrude—whether as parents, friends, or spiritual leaders—often comes from love and concern. We want those we care about to see the truth as we do, to share our convictions, and to walk the path we believe is best. Yet, when we use emotional pressure, fear, or obligation to sway others, we violate their spiritual freedom and hinder the Lord’s work within them. True faith and transformation arise only when a person responds freely to truth, allowing the Lord to enter and bring peace and joy.

Therefore, the call is to teach, share, and witness with affection and clarity, but always to “stand outside”—to honor the privacy and freedom of each soul. When we do this, we make space for the Lord to work, for faith to become living and joyful, and for relationships to be marked by peace rather than pressure. The Lord’s word, like rain and snow, will accomplish its purpose—not by force, but by gentle, persistent invitation.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Reality Is Greater Than What We See The story of Elisha and his servant reminds us that the spiritual world is active and present, even when we feel alone or threatened. Angels and spiritual forces surround us, offering protection and guidance, especially in moments of fear or temptation. Recognizing this reality can bring comfort and courage, knowing that we are never truly alone. [11:53]
2. Freedom Is the Foundation of Spiritual Growth The Lord values our freedom above all, refusing to compel belief or love by external means. True spiritual growth happens when we are free to choose, to question, and to respond from our own hearts. Any attempt to force or manipulate another’s beliefs, even with good intentions, undermines the very process by which faith becomes genuine and alive. [32:21]
3. Respecting the Inner Sanctuary of Others The law of the pledge teaches us to respect the boundaries of another’s mind and spirit. When sharing truth or values, we must avoid intruding or pressuring, instead allowing others the dignity to respond in their own way and time. This respectful distance is not indifference, but a profound act of love and trust in the Lord’s leading. [34:38]
4. Emotional Pressure Hinders True Faith Using fear, obligation, or subtle emotional manipulation to gain agreement may produce outward compliance, but it damages the soul’s freedom and the possibility of authentic faith. The Lord’s work in a person’s heart requires that they respond freely; otherwise, even apparent acceptance must be undone before real transformation can occur. [39:59]
5. Living Faith Is Born in Freedom and Peace When truth is received freely, the Lord infuses it with life, making it a source of peace and joy. This “truth of peace” is the goal for ourselves and those we love—not mere agreement, but a living, joyful faith that springs from within. Our role is to share, invite, and then step back, trusting the Lord to accomplish His work in each soul.

** [46:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Opening Song and Prayer
[06:53] - The Lord’s Prayer
[08:01] - Children’s Talk: The Story of Elisha
[09:55] - Elisha’s Servant Sees the Angels
[11:53] - Lessons from Elisha: We Are Never Alone
[12:52] - Angels and Temptation
[13:36] - Choosing Good with Angelic Support
[14:25] - Angels with Us as We Grow
[21:02] - Spiritual Meaning of the Law of the Pledge
[23:20] - Respecting Spiritual Boundaries
[30:22] - The Lord’s Care for Freedom
[32:21] - Faith and Freedom: An Individual Journey
[34:38] - The Temptation to Intrude on Others’ Beliefs
[39:59] - Emotional Pressure and Spiritual Harm
[41:53] - Teaching with Affection, Not Compulsion
[43:12] - The Lord’s Inflow and Living Faith
[46:31] - The Truth of Peace and the Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Kings 6:13-17 (ESV) — > So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.” It was told him, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Deuteronomy 24:10-11 (ESV) — > “When you make your neighbor a loan of any sort, you shall not go into his house to collect his pledge. You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you make the loan shall bring the pledge out to you.”

Isaiah 55:10-12 (ESV) — > “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace...”

Observation Questions

In the story of Elisha and his servant, what did the servant see after Elisha prayed for his eyes to be opened? ([09:55])
According to the law in Deuteronomy, what was the lender supposed to do when collecting a pledge, and what was he not allowed to do? ([24:45])
What does Isaiah say about the effectiveness of God’s word, and how does it accomplish its purpose? ([46:31])
In the sermon, what are some ways people might try to “enter another’s house” spiritually, according to the pastor? ([34:38])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Elisha asked God to open his servant’s eyes instead of just telling him about the angels? What does this say about spiritual reality and our perception? ([09:55])
What is the deeper spiritual meaning behind the law of the pledge in Deuteronomy, as explained in the sermon? How does this relate to how we share our beliefs with others? ([24:45])
The sermon says that emotional pressure can actually hinder someone’s spiritual growth. Why might this be the case, even if our intentions are good? ([39:59])
How does the image of God’s word being like rain and snow (Isaiah 55) connect to the idea of sharing truth without force? ([46:31])

Application Questions

Think of a time when you felt alone or overwhelmed. Did you consider the possibility of unseen spiritual support, like Elisha’s servant experienced? How might remembering this change your response next time? ([11:53])
Have you ever tried to convince someone to see things your way—about faith, values, or even everyday decisions? Looking back, did you “stand outside” or did you try to “go into their house”? What was the result? ([34:38])
As a parent, friend, or leader, are there situations where you feel tempted to use emotional pressure to get someone to agree with you? What would it look like to step back and trust the Lord to work in their heart? ([39:59])
The sermon says that true faith and transformation only happen when a person responds freely. How can you create space for others to make their own spiritual choices, even if you disagree or are worried for them? ([41:53])
Is there someone in your life right now whom you are trying to “help” spiritually? What would it look like to “stand outside” and respect their freedom, while still showing love and support? ([43:12])
When you share your faith or values, do you focus more on making a good argument or on sharing your own joy and delight in what you believe? How could you shift your approach to be more about invitation than persuasion? ([41:53])
The sermon describes “the truth of peace” as a living, joyful faith that comes from within. Can you remember a time when you received a truth in this way? What made it different from times when you felt pressured? ([46:31])

Sermon Clips

This sermon is about the subtle and sometimes unrecognized manipulation of which we can all be guilty, and which can impair, although never destroy, the deepest freedoms of which the human soul is possible. In the New Church, we're delighted with the teachings of the Lord about freedom. They elevate freedom to a new level, showing how the Lord himself has a special care for it. All the laws of his providence spring from the principle that as far as possible, we should act from freedom according to our own reason. [00:29:56]

The freedom to believe what you choose to believe and to love what you choose to love are deeply protected by the Lord. For centuries, people have been trying to take away these freedoms. Governments, for example, told people what they should love and told them what to think and made them feel guilty if they didn't accept all the details of a political opinion. [00:30:51]

We love the teaching of the writings that faith is an individual commitment between a person and the Lord. Faith is an internal acknowledgement of truth, says the book on faith. It is the law of the divine providence, this author says, that a person should not be compelled by external means to think and will and thus to believe and love the things of religion, but should persuade and at times compel himself or herself to do so. [00:32:13]

A lender is someone who teaches. When a person teaches a truth or when he teaches a value, something of importance to him, he or she is not to enter into the mind of the other and ensure that the truth is planted in exactly the right place. The teacher speaks from outside, as it were, and the learner can decide how to respond or whether to respond at all. [00:34:04]

Spiritually, we need to keep a respectful distance from the minds of those who see things differently. With all of us, there is a tendency, when we have a point of view, or when we feel something strongly, to want to enter into the thinking of another person and to place our ideas just in the right place so that the other person thinks rightly about that subject. This is breaking the law of the pledge. [00:35:24]

We all have certain values. We all have certain thoughts that are important to us. And we want to communicate them, especially to people we love. So we should. The problem is that we can get in the way of the Lord, how the Lord is leading those we love, by trying to ensure that the other person thinks and feels just the same way about an idea as we do. It's a persuasive temptation. [00:36:08]

It is when we put an emotional pressure for a commitment or a response to the truth that the law of the pledge is broken. Parents do this as well. Now, when children are young, they should do it. They should have the responsibility to teach them what is right. But when their children grow towards adult age, they have to gently back off and allow the Lord to lead them himself. [00:38:31]

At times, parents are afraid because their children are now being a bit rebellious, and so they try to find ways to ensure that they see things right. They put pressure on them in all the subtle ways that families can do. The clergy must be especially aware of this danger. People come to church to learn the truth and are disposed to be affected by what they hear. [00:39:04]

It is possible for the minister to put pressure on members of the congregation to accept his perception of the truth as if it were exactly what the Lord is trying to say. If so, they hurt the sensitivities of the people and may interfere with their ability to see truth as the Lord would want them to see it. [00:39:33]

The principle is simple. We get into another person's mind if we create feelings which temporarily remove his freedom. Fear is the most common one. The young woman who loves her fiancé uses the fear of her withdrawing her love to make him want to listen to the truth. The fear she inspires is an intrusion coming between his understanding and the truths he is hearing. [00:40:05]

Families sometimes use obligation. You owe it to me to think the way I tell you because of all the things I have done for you. A minister may use the fear of disapproval suggesting by his approach that a person who doesn't think as he does is less of a Christian than he ought to be. There are other, more subtle feelings which we use. [00:40:49]

The main point is that by using inappropriate emotional pressure we may take away a person's freedom to give his or her own response to a truth or a value that is heard. Now let's be clear, we're supposed to teach truths and values and opinions and politics to others and we're supposed to teach it from affection. We're supposed to make the truth and the principles that it indicates delightful. [00:41:15]

We should communicate not just that an idea is right but that it's good. We are quite free to communicate our own delight in the things that we believe in. If so, also, we should present ideas as well as we can making the good arguments that support them. Also, always, however, especially with those we love the most, we're urged by the Lord to stand outside, outside that person's mind, allowing that person the privacy to see the truths from the quietness of his or her own mind. [00:41:53]

The writings enable us to see why it is so important that this teaching is given. They say that if a person is taught the truth and is allowed to reflect on it, if he's taught the truth or she and is allowed to reflect, then the Lord himself inflows into that person with a sense of that truth and he, the Lord, creates faith. [00:42:40]

It is that inner influx which takes place only if the person freely responds to the truth. And that produces living faith. When someone else is intruding into the person's mind, the Lord is unable to produce this faith because the person's freedom is impaired. [00:43:12]

If he puts any inappropriate pressure on her, whether by arguing too freely with her or by putting her under emotional stress, then she may seem to accept his faith. Then the Lord has to undo that acceptance. The Lord has to undo her acceptance before she can believe anything. In his misguided intensity, the young man is making it impossible for the Lord to do the very thing that he, the young man, wants to be done. [00:43:49]

We learn to keep the law of the pledge when we realize that breaking it never works. It can't work because it is an inviolable law of the divine that no one can come to see a truth or a value except in a state of true freedom. So the Lord has to restore that freedom if it's interfered with. Undo the damage that has been done before he can begin the work. [00:44:31]

But if we break it, we do hurt people. We make it more difficult for them to accept what may be true ideas. One beautiful series in the Word describes two different kinds of truth that people experience. The first is the one from outside. We learn the truth from teachers and from our reading and so on, from our experience. [00:45:07]

When we respond freely to that truth, then a second learning takes place. Then the Lord inflows from within and the life of that truth flows down softly, gently, into the mind. He calls the second kind of truth the truth of peace. A love for truth that descends from him alone and makes the things excuse me and makes the things we believe in joyful, alive, peaceful. [00:45:39]

Breaking the law of the pledge spoils that second teaching. This is the faith that we want our loved ones to have. That is why we keep the law of the pledge so that of them the Lord may say as the rain comes down from heaven and the snow and it comes down and the snow from heaven and do not return there but water the earth and make it bring forth and bud so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth it shall not return to me empty but it shall accomplish that which I please and shall prosper in the thing to which I sent it for you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace. [00:46:23]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?