Who is truly free? - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
John 8:36

Who is truly free?
Bernard Palissy (about 1510–1590) was a famous French ceramic artist of the Renaissance who was imprisoned because of his faith. The French King Henry II wanted to save Palissy’s life, as he produced uniquely beautiful vases. However, neither threats nor tempting offers could persuade the prisoner to renounce his faith. Finally, the king himself went to prison to urge Palissy to recant.

“If you do not recant,” the king added, “I am forced to sentence you to death.”

“Your Majesty,” Palissy replied, “do I hear the King of France say: ‘I am forced to do something’? I am just a poor artist, one of the humblest subjects of Your Majesty. I am currently in prison. But no power in the whole world can force me to act against my faith. You are one of the most powerful rulers on earth, and yet you speak of being forced to do something. Majesty, which of us is truly free?”

The human longing for freedom is very great, and many indeed think they are free. However, upon closer examination it becomes apparent that our freedom is limited – no matter how much power we have over others. For every person is subject to a compulsion from which he cannot escape on his own: he follows his own desires. Only Jesus Christ, the Son of God, can set him free. Those who surrender their lives to Him and entrust themselves to Him experience a freedom that is unparalleled: the freedom of the children of God!

Today’s reading: Exodus 29:1-18 · Luke 12:1-12