Last Sunday night we heard CAPTIVE NO MORE, the first of three messages in our new “Freedom Fighter” series, focusing on what holds us captive in our lives and how to get out of it. Last Sunday’s overarching question was “what’s standing between the you you are and you you want to be?”
A few quick points to remember:
We can get trapped by actions of others, our own actions, or our own predispositions, but we don’t have to stay trapped; we have a choice.
To get out from under whatever’s holding us back, we need to:
- Get mad - We need to be motivated by our righteous indignation at what’s holding us back.
- Get help – You’re not alone; look to teachers, parents, counselors, pastors, etc. for resources.
- Get going – Procrastination is refusing to try.
- Get hope – God is on the side of the captive.
Isaiah 61:1-4, 7-9
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness from the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion -
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations…
Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.
For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed.
