Leviticus 26:13 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.” (NIV)*
hollyhocks (Photo credit: jimforest)
Right there in Leviticus. In the midst of rules, laws, commands and decrees…freedom speaks.
The Israelites were freed from slavery to the Egyptians. After years of looking down, they had to be told they could walk with heads held high. Once lifted, eyes could look forward.
Jesus frees from past bondage. If eyes are looking into shame and dwelling on past mistakes, the neck is probably bent down. Old habits are hard to break. We believe a lie, that looking down is good. The truth is, Jesus broke the bars of the yoke that kept us bent over. We’ve been set free.
It’s time to walk with heads held high. Not out of pride, but freedom. When the weight is gone, the neck straightens and the head lifts high. Eyes are enabled to look forward. Then, feet follow eyes.
Sometimes, we have to be reminded we’re free. It’s okay to walk with heads held high, looking to Him for the next step.
*The One Year Bible, New International Version, copyright 1986, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois.
Beside Quiet Waters 
March 3rd, 2013 at 3:38 am
I love this verse, and I love the way you have brought out the Father’s heart and desire to see us walk not crushed by sin or circumstances, but with heads held up in freedom.
March 4th, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Thank you…wouldn’t the enemy of our souls just love to see us continually looking down! I’m thankful for a God who wants us to walk with heads held high.
March 4th, 2013 at 8:25 pm
Amen! For He is the glory and the lifter up of our heads. 🙂