Then and Now...Set Free

While reading through my 2006 journal this morning I ran across something I wrote; something God challenged my heart and others when we were planting a multi site. Since that year nothing has changed with the challenge because Christ has not yet returned and I found that those words remain strong and true. So, I wanted to share some of them with you today. (I did change the date to 2009 since the application remains.)

He was a captive living in the tombs, broken chains around his arms and ankles. He wandered around talking to himself and mutilating his body. They only things that kept him company were the never ending voices and demons in his mind.

Years ago I remember working with a man who was held captive by alcohol and drugs. One day we found him sitting outside the door to the ward. He had been drinking and “shooting up.” He was bleeding profusely from his arms and sides where he had sliced himself open. When asked what happened all he could say was, “I just wanted the demons and voices to go away.”

Both men held captive. I can only imagine what the first man experienced when he saw Jesus coming towards him. In scripture it talks about how the demons bowed in homage. I cannot help but believe that this man who was captive, deep inside knew this was the very MAN who could free him, and that Jesus looked beyond the demons that chained him in darkness and saw his soul, his pleading for freedom, his longing for life. Do you know what Jesus did? He set him free. Let me say that again. He set him free.

I want to paint another picture for you. The year is now 2009 and God has called us to join him in setting people free. (Matthew 28:19; Colossians 4:3,5-6) People held captive by whatever false hope they seek to find peace, acceptance and love as they walk around in darkness…searching for freedom from the chains. I believe God is looking at each person and sees their soul, and He is calling us…us, to go and be His voice to set them free.