Liberty for the Captives

Fireworks, watermelon, small town parades and flags will dominate the day for many of us. These are the symbols we associate with our freedom, although it came with the price of many lives. On this day of celebration, I can't help but think of a different kind of freedom.

The freedom found in Christ also came with a price...that of one life. One of my favorite passages is found in two places in the Bible, Isaiah 61 and Luke 4. In Isaiah 61, the hope and the promise is given. In Luke 4, Jesus claims it in Himself. I get the holy goosebumps when I imagine being in the synagogue, listening to the familiar text being read by that guy from Galilee, and hearing Him say that He was the fulfillment of that promise. He had come to bring good news to the oppressed, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners. We know exactly who Jesus is and was, but the people in the synagogue did not. I imagine a flutter of confusion mingled with hope in their hearts. Could He really be the long-prophesied Deliverer standing before them?

When someone hears these words today, that same confusion and hope flutters. Can Jesus really free me from my addictions? From my life of shame, fear, sin...fill in your own blank. His invitation is simple and sincere...Come to Me.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28)"



In John 8:32, Jesus tells us that when we know the truth, the truth will set us free. John 14:6 tells us that He is the truth. I could go on with verse after verse pointing to the freedom that only comes through Christ; He came for you and the Bible is His love story to you. But I can't phone this in...you have to answer this one call personally. I can add my voice to all those who proclaim His truth and faithfulness in His promise, but you have to experience it for yourself before you can fully believe.

In keeping with the spirit of the day, I thank God that I live in a country where this is even a choice. I can imagine standing in Philadelphia, hearing the Declaration of Independence read by a bunch of frustrated farmers and business men, declaring war on the largest empire in the world, fear and hope mingling in my chest, wondering if they can really deliver on their promise. Looking back, we know they did it. Just like the guy from Galilee reading in the synagogue kept His word. Indeed, He is the Word.

Freedom Reigns by Jesus Culture