Freedom with purpose

Main Course: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4 18-19).

As I reflect on the upcoming celebration of the 4th of July holiday, a historical day of freedom for most Americans, I thought about the world in general, but also spiritually, that we are all free. When we explore the dichotomy between #Juneteeth and #July4th - the government declares #independenceday from British control (1776) vs the Emancipation/freedom of slaves (1863), there is a common thread. For 89 years, there were still masses of people living as slaves because this newfound freedom excluded African enslaved people. And then after the #EmancipationProclamation was issued, it wasn't until 2 1/2 years later (1865) that slavery was abolished in many Southern states. The same situation exists spiritually today. Jesus has declared us free from sin and satan's power (Heb 2:14-15), but there are people even in America who still have not heard the good news. They've heard sermons, presentations, lectures, opinions, and theology, but not the GOSPEL, THE GOOD NEWS! Consequently, they are still bound by the clutches of sin. It is still our job and our duty to tell the good news to those who have not heard it even though our journey may be long and hard at times. Remember, there may be someone near or far who is still a slave to sin and doesn't know they are free. But there is freedom in Jesus Christ, he paid the price. Let's celebrate freedom with a purpose today and use the abilities God has given us to set the captives free (Luke 4:18-19). You have the power to set people free by sharing the Good News. Will you use it?