Deliverance to the Captives

Luke 4:18

Jesus came to the earth to set the captives free.  Wherever He went, people were delivered from guilt, shame, oppression, and every kind of sickness and disease.  Jesus demonstrated the love of God by doing good and destroying all the works of the devil.  It was a physical demonstration and a representation of the spiritual liberty that would complete the ministry of the Messiah.

During the life of Jesus, Israel was under Roman occupation.  Many felt they were held captive by Roman rule. They desired to see the Messiah come and overthrow the Roman armies and set up an earthly kingdom.  Jesus’ mission was greater.  Rather than setting Israel free from human force, Jesus set the captives free from death, hell and the grave.  Through Jesus Christ, we are set free from being captive to our fleshly desires.  Through Jesus Christ, we are delivered from hell and released to heaven.  Through Jesus Christ, we receive healing for our bodies, and through Jesus Christ, we are set free from the guilt and shame of sin.  It is a freedom that was purchased with the blood of the spotless Lamb of God.
​
The freedom that has come through Jesus Christ is always available to every believer.  It is accessed through faith.  Though at times we may feel accused, it is our faith in Jesus Christ that once again sets us free from condemnation.  Though we may experience sickness, it is faith in Jesus Christ that releases healing power over our bodies.  Though we may stumble and fall, it is repentance and confession in the name of Jesus Christ that raises us up and cleanses us of all unrighteousness.  As Christians, we not only have access to this awesome freedom, we also have the grace and opportunity to proclaim it to those around us.  Today, may you walk in the full liberty of Jesus Christ, and may you share this freedom so that those around you may walk in victory.