One of the prophecies of Jesus by the Prophet Isaiah was that he would come to proclaim freedom to the captives (Isaiah 61:1) which Jesus Himself affirmed in Luke 4:17-21.  Today’s Scripture highlights three areas we may be held in captivity. This same Jesus is alive today to set us free from anything that holds us captive so that we could be effective witnesses for Him in this world.

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Freedom from Self Righteousness: As Jesus was speaking to the multitude, one of the listeners informed Him about the gruesome death of a few Galileans at the hands of Pilate. Jesus immediately addressed the issue of the heart by asking the crowd if they considered themselves better than the ones who had perished (Luke 13:2,4). He knew that the listeners felt that those Galileans had met a rightful end because they were wicked. Aren’t we very often like this crowd? We put ourselves on a pedestal and consider ourselves better than others because we measure ourselves on our own standards and not God’s. Isaiah 64:6 says all our righteous acts are like filthy rags before God. Knowing this helpless condition of man, God worked out man’s salvation by sending His own Son to save us. But we try our best to do things for God, trying to appease Him by our good works. Paul clearly says that this cannot happen, and only grace can save us and not our works (Eph.2:10).

Jesus addresses the wrong attitude of the people, telling them to repent so that they would not perish (Luke 13:3,5). He knew that their good works could not take them to heaven only He could. 2 Cor. 5:21 says, “He became sin so that we could become the righteousness of God in Him.” Will you receive His righteousness or continue to depend on your own efforts to reach heaven?


Freedom from Sterility: Jesus in the parable of the fig tree emphasizes fruit bearing for a child of God. Many believers do not grow into spiritual maturity after their salvation, ending up being fruitless Christians. It’s God’s heart to see us grow and bear fruit. As every tree is known by its fruit, every Christian is known by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) manifest in their personal life and ministry.  Jesus in John 15 says He is the vine and we are the branches and if we abide in Him and He in us we will bear much fruit. So if you are a Christian who has neither led a person to Christ nor borne any fruit of the Spirit, even after several years of walking with Jesus, it shows you are not really connected to God and have no roots in His Word— the reason for your bareness. Today if you decide to turn from hypocrisy and self-indulgent attitude and fake spirituality and seek His will, then you will be very fruitful. Lest we forget— Jesus will soon return to reward us for our works. May we not be found wanting then!

Freedom from Suffering: While He was on the earth, our Savior never overlooked the need of anyone who came to Him even if it meant upsetting the religious authorities (Luke:10-17). He paused to set the woman free from the bondage that had held her captive for 18 years. No one is more concerned about each of us, than the One who created us. Today He is the same unchanging Jesus! He knows the reason you are bent over: be it un-forgiveness, bitterness, abuse, hatred or jealousy! Whatever has held you captive, hinders you from living a full life. Your every move is with much effort and pain—you don’t have to live like this anymore! Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.” He calls you today to lay your burdens down. Would you allow this Healer to set you free?

Quote for the Day:

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 8:36

Listen- 'Chain Breaker’