Freedom. We all crave freedom. Perhaps we’ve chosen to live in Alaska for the freedom of this state. We celebrate Independence Day with flags and fireworks (well, maybe not in Alaska!) because we love our freedom. We remember those who have fought for freedom on our behalf – and are drawn to movies where we celebrate prisoners of war freed. We live in freedom and love celebrations of freedom. But do we really live in freedom? Is freedom just external? Or is it more about our hearts?

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Isaiah was prophesying about the release of captives – the return to freedom – following Babylonian captivity. He was speaking about the release even before the exile. God was giving His people hope and vision even though they were going to experience discipline and disappointment. But Isaiah’s prophesy wasn’t just about the physical release of the people of Judah. God was using Isaiah to foreshadow the complete restoration which would come in Jesus Christ. The people of Judah were being held accountable for their sin. We all sin and fall short of God’s standards (Rom. 3:23). God holds us accountable – but He provided His own Son to take the full punishment for our sins on the cross. It’s hard to begin to grasp how a perfectly holy God could love us so much – despite our sin – to provide the perfect and complete solution in His Son. We just celebrated Christmas – the birth of Jesus. But the celebration of Christmas is shallow without the backdrop of the cross. We have to remember that an innocent baby was born in order that he would die for us. God has always been in the business of releasing captives and restoring freedom.

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Isaiah was prophesying not just physical freedom, but of the gift of freedom that Jesus would bring. While we may live in the land of the free, are you living in freedom? Many things hold us personally captive – challenging relationships, addictions, finances, pride, unforgiveness, the list could go on. What is it that comes to mind for you? Take a moment to acknowledge your areas of captivity.  

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Jesus came to set the captives – you and me – FREE. From our verse today, what would it look like for you to be told, “Come out in freedom”? Where is there darkness? What would it look like to “Come into the light”?

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This message is for us today. Don’t remain captive. Accept God’s provision and gift of freedom. He will lead you into green pastures – fullness, wholeness, abundance. The Lord in mercy – grace and forgiveness – will lead you. What an incredible picture and promise of freedom.

On a Monday in January, we celebrate freedom! Don’t let it pass you by. In the midst of the busyness of life and regrouping after the holidays, don’t put off freedom.

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Take a few moments to spend in God’s presence –  

• Ask Him to show you where you are captive. Maybe you know and maybe you’re captive in ways only He can reveal to you. Let Him show you.

• Hear His voice and call to walk in freedom and light.

• Receive His forgiveness, grace, and mercy and follow Him into freedom.

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Lastly, I challenge you to share with someone today how God’s freedom is impacting you. Share your story and your challenges so we can walk together in restoration.  

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Merciful God, Thank you for calling us out into freedom. Thank you for providing a way to be restored to You. While your people have been in bondage and have known the consequences of their rebellion and sin, You provided for all of us in love. You sent Jesus. Thank you! Today, please show us where we are still living as captives and need to come into freedom and light. Free us completely so that we can share Your freedom with those around us. Amen.