Donkey Business - Part 1

"Free at last, free at last, praise God almighty we're free at last."

These words from the American leader Martin Luther King still ring out everywhere there is a struggle for freedom from tyranny and oppression. Even though God, from the very beginning, created man to be free, men still reject this God given freedom, and seek to put others into bondage.

To set people free; I guess that is the ultimate mission of CBMC in the world today. However, as an old mentor of mine said long ago, there is no such thing as absolute freedom. Freedom can only be enjoyed fully inside certain boundaries. I am free to drive on all the roads here in Holland where I live, but only if I keep below the set speed limit! Freedom for commitment!

The concept of "Donkey Business" begins with the Bible story of Jesus entering Jerusalem. He said, "Go into the village over there and you will see a donkey tied up, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them here. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, 'the Lord needs them,' and he will immediately send them" (Matthew 21:2, 3). The donkey was "tied up," bound to a stake, unable to move, until called by its owner to fulfill its purpose; which was to carry a load; to transport a person to his destination. It needed to be set free to really become what it was meant to be.

I see the donkey as a picture of a business person today. Tied up to the world's system, unable to fulfill the purpose for which God has called it into being. Not understanding the truth about God's wishes for that business. Jesus promised, "You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Being tied up means being burdened, not knowing where to go and feeling like everyone else is on your back! Jesus' heart was moved when he saw such people who were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

How can we achieve this freedom? Freedom to enjoy life which Jesus of Nazareth promises to "give abundantly" (Matthew 9:36), and to fulfill the purpose for which we are set free? This coming series of Monday Manna will attempt to answer this question.

This past month, I met a businessman who had enjoyed a wonderfully successful year. Out of thanks to God, he decided to show his customers just what it means to be released from a debt. In the month of December, he sent out his bills as usual. On the invoices he wrote, "paid in full." This represented about 10% of his annual sales. He did this to show his customers what Jesus did for us. On the cross, Jesus cried out "Tetelestiai" - meaning "It is paid" (John 19:30). This is the word commonly used in trade during Jesus' days. Our debt to God was paid by Jesus, and He released us to become all we can be.

Releasing the donkey (your career, business, and assets) from being "tied up" and unusable for God to become freely available for Gods "Donkey Business" is an art! Follow the teachings of Jesus; this will set you free, indeed (John 8:31 - 32)! More next week.

Peter Briscoe

Peter J. Briscoe, currently serving as European Regional Director for CBMC International and Europartners. He lives in Leiden, The Netherlands.