No Longer a Captive: Thank God Jesus Set Us Free!

Have you ever thought about how in the awful days of slavery, slaves had to save up to purchase their own freedom. It was considered such a great and literally life changing and generation changing opportunity. And yet this opportunity was not even extended to all slaves. I can not even imagine what was going through those precious soul’s minds as they toiled day and night for the opportunity to buy their freedom. It is unfathomable.

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14.

As a Christian, Christ bought my freedom with His life. I did not have to toil and save for decades because He paid the price in full. My life was not free; it cost the priceless life of God Himself. He paid the price I could never pay, no matter how long I worked or saved up. He died that I may live free. And greater love has none than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.

No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends. John 15:13

Jesus came to set the captives free. Surely, He is not talking about us, is He? We do not consider ourselves captives because, thankfully, we are not living in slavery, and neither are we on a ship captured by pirates or in a hostage situation.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1

As distanced myself from this phrase, whilst praying for those in actual captivity, God clearly spoke to me and said He is setting me free from being captive to sinful habits like anger, pride, laziness, procrastination and resentment. Hallelujah! I thank You my God for revealing to me what has been hidden in my heart, festering unforgiveness towards those that hurt me in the past. What a weight had been lifted! Jesus has set me free from that noose I did not even realize had me in a choke hold.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24

Thank You, Jesus, for bringing me to a place where pride is not able to keep me in denial and thus rob me of my deliverance. Yes, it is painful to admit that such has been the state of my heart. But more so, it is liberating to know that my redeemer has come through and redeemed me from all the sins that so easily entangled me.

What is so wonderful about Jesus setting us free, is that He not only pays the cost required but we are assured that we will never be captives again. We know this because He says so in His word. Whom the son sets free is free indeed! So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

And what exactly is He setting us free from you may ask? Jesus sets us free from all sin and death. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

Jesus came to set all the captives free. Physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally or financially. And we know Jesus accomplished all He set out to do when He cried out on the cross: it is finished!