News about horror killing dubbed honour killing is common in many countries in Asia. If a boy or girl gets married to someone from another caste, the couple is ostracised, boycotted and sometimes killed. The community is considered greater than the individual. In some countries, ruled by dictators the government or state is greater than individuals. Individuals are denied rights and are suppressed. However, God’s vision for humanity as revealed in the Scripture for the Nation of Israel provides us lessons. God appointed Adam and Eve as rulers (kings) of creation. (Genesis 1:26-28) Adam and Eve were priests in that they worshipped the Lord, kings as they exercised governance over the earth. After the Fall of humanity, God chose the Nation of Israel. The chosen people of God, the Nation of Israel is termed as Kingdom of Priests. (Exodus 19:6) All individuals have privilege or right to make decisions and choices.
Prophets spoke about this right. “They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.” (Micah 4:4)
1) Prosperity and Provision: Each person will have his own place and be sitting under a vine tree. In the Old Testament the Jews considered themselves as vines. Vine is known for its fruitfulness. In the New Testament the Lord said that He is the True Vine. It is also indicating food security. Joseph was a fruitful vine. (Genesis 49:22)
2) Power to choose: Adam and Eve sewed leaves of a fig tree to cover themselves when they realized they were naked after eating the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 3:7) Fig tree also was used as a symbol of the Nation of Israel, indicating its sovereignty. Individuals have been bestowed with Free Will (sovereign) to make decisions.
3) Protection: No one will make them afraid. Enemies cannot attack them. There is no lawlessness in the land. Hence, there is peace for individuals, family, community, and nation.
Do I value and celebrate the freedom God has granted me?