"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Isaiah 61: 1-3
It is possible to live in bondage, even in the midst of freedom.
One would think, living in America with all its liberties, we'd be the happiest, most united people on the globe. There would be love for our neighbors, fellowship among the races and a sense of peace as we went about our daily lives.
Instead, we are faced with wrangling politicians, random acts of violence, limp churches and profound loneliness. Is this liberty?
Our founding fathers constituted a God-given plan designed to promote our general welfare, provide for our common defense and grant everyone a pursuit of happiness, but at the core of our human nature, we have not been set free until we have met Jesus Christ, humbly repenting of our sins to receive "freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
In the eighth chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus is hashing things out with the Pharisees, most of whom do not believe in Him. Jesus said: "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now, a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed." (vs. 34-36)
Peal the bells of liberty; Jesus has freed us from slavery to sin. Clothed in His righteousness, we can then go out and love our neighbor, aid the hungry, curb the loneliness and bring comfort to those who mourn. "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me." (Matthew 25:40)
I have an inspirational quote by John F. Kennedy taped in a prominent spot which says, "The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God." Look not to Washington; Christ is our Liberator.
"To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8: 31, 32
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