The Great Escape

Many of us watched the classic Steve McQueen film, 'The Great Escape' in our youth. The story, the music, the acting and the motorbike stunts all contributed to its appeal. 
Tonight, on Channel 4, the story will be explored again, and found to be even more astonishing. Tragically, most of those who escaped were quickly recaptured, and then shot. It is remarkable what people will do to win their freedom.
Today's elections in Egypt, in a very different setting, show the same determination of people to win freedom from tyranny. As\Margaret Thatcher famously said in East Berlin, "When people are free to choose, they choose to be free."
The whole Bible story is about other great escapes.
Abraham escapes the idolatry of his homeland, in response to the call of the Lord to go to 'The Promised Land'.
Moses and the Israelites escape from bondage in Egypt, to wander in the desert and then arrive in the Promised Land.
Gloriously, Jesus provides the means by which we can enjoy The Great Escape, through his own great escape after death. When Jesus is praying, and is changed in appearance, his disciples see him talking with 2 men. 'And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.' (Luke 9.30-31)
The death & resurrection of Jesus make it possible for us to be free from condemnation and the fear of judgement.
St. Paul describes the difference between our previous prison, and our present freedom. 'For God has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.' (Colossians 1.13-14)
So whether you watch Channel 4 this evening, or hum the Great Escape theme tune, today is a day to rejoice in the freedom which Jesus has made available for us.
Best wishes,
Richard