“The Lord has put his Spirit in me, because he appointed me to tell the Good News to the poor. He has sent me to tell the captives they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. God sent me to free those who have been treated unfairly.” (Luke 4:18)
This is such an exciting verse! Did you know that you have been chosen to tell the Good News to the poor? The Lord has sent you to announce freedom. But not only have you been sent to announce freedom; you can have freedom as well! There is freedom in Jesus-freedom for everyone who struggles or suffers. What kind of needs do you have? What kinds of needs do your friends have? You’ve been chosen by God, and you’ve also been equipped with the power of God to get free, stay free, and bring freedom to anyone and everyone who needs it! Now that’s power-power over drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, lust, sex, bitterness, or whatever.
There was a movie about a man who gave up his life just to bring freedom to his people. He was beaten, tortured, and put on a chopping block. All he had to do was simply surrender his freedom, and he would live. His people would remain in bondage, but he could live. Instead, he let out a bloodcurdling cry, “Freeeeeedom!” He lost his life, but his people gained their freedom.
There is another story that hits home for all of us. Jesus died a horrible, shameful death on a cross so we could be free from sin and spend eternity with him. Don’t allow yourself to be in bondage over some stupid sin-a sin that Jesus has already paid the price for. Choose freedom today, and watch God work a miracle in your life and in the lives of your friends! He is the One who sets you free!
See for yourself: Matt. 1:21; John 8:36; Rom.6:14; 2 Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:1, 13
Excerpted from Revolve: Dream On, The Complete New Testament. © 2010 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
