The Lord sets prisoners free. (Psalm 146:7)
Set before us today is a promise that brings with it a peace that passes all understanding . . . but it is available only for prisoners. If you see yourself as high and mighty and in no need of the Lord’s mercy and grace, there is nothing for you in today’s verse; but if you see yourself as low and locked up and in desperate need of the Lord’s mercy and grace—not just for your eternal salvation, but moment by moment for daily living—then let today’s meditation set you free!
First, notice that the deliverance is the Lord’s work. We are not set free by our own might, skill, wisdom, or goodness. We are bound in chains that cannot be broken by our natural strength. It is only through our Eternal Emancipator, who snaps the chains of bondage with only a thought, that we are set free. Regardless of what it is that holds you captive –
- Doubt or disappointment
- Fear or faithlessness
- Sorrow or sickness
- Addiction or anxiety
- Worry or weakness
Jesus came to set the prisoners free . . . and that includes you and me. And we must not think of freedom only in terms of our eternal salvation. To be sure, this is the initial freedom we experience when God raises us from death to life. We were dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and could do nothing to save ourselves. Salvation is all of God. But that salvation does not end with the gift of eternal life. We have been also given the grace of God to set us free from all that would hold us captive in everyday life. The grace that saves us is the grace that sanctifies us; the grace that gave us faith also gives us freedom.
Christian: when Jesus sets you free, you are free indeed, and nothing has the power to lock you back up if you will resist it by the grace and Spirit of God. Satan cannot lock you up. Sin cannot lock you up. Howling storm winds cannot lock you up. No weapon forged against you will prevail (Isaiah 54:17) if you will simply resist in the strength of your Eternal Emancipator.
Keep the freeness of His mercy and the fullness of His power in view as you go about your day today. His mercy is poured out on you when waves of misery or distress wash over you, and His power is available to deliver you from whatever chains of bondage threaten your freedom.
The Lord sets prisoners free!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 