September 15, 2004

THE PROCLAIMER OF LIBERTY

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me... to proclaim liberty to the captives" (Luke 4:18, TEV).

On the famous Liberty Bell that rang out the news of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776, are inscribed these words: "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof" (Leviticus 25:10). This inscription has inspired liberty and national independence in countries all over the world.

Long before the Liberty Bell proclaimed liberty in America, the Author of liberty made a dramatic announcement from a little synagogue in the obscure town of Nazareth. He announced that He had been anointed "to proclaim liberty to the captives" (Luke 4:18, TEV). Jesus came to proclaim liberty to those whose mind, body, and spirit have been imprisoned by evil (see Romans 6:16).

Ever since the fall of man, Satan has held the human race captive to sin and death. It was to break this despotic grip that Jesus came to earth. He was anointed to proclaim liberty and life to all. By His death and resurrection, He stormed Satan's prison house and liberated the prisoners of sin.

The Proclaimer of freedom has declared: "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). The gospel is the freedom bell of independence from the domination of Satan. Now we who are free in Christ can ring God's freedom bell and live victoriously through His liberating power. "Through yielding to sin, man placed his will under the control of Satan. He became a helpless captive in the tempter's power. God sent His Son into our world to break the power of Satan, and to emancipate the will of man. He sent Him to proclaim liberty to the captives... and to let the oppressed go free."--Our High Calling. p. 104.

My Prayer Today: Lord, through Christ, the Proclaimer of freedom, I have been set free. Help me to treasure this freedom. Amen.