TO SET AT LIBERTY

 

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

 

TO SET AT LIBERTY

Luke 4:17-19

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 

 

          Liberty is not anarchy nor is it hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure and sensual self-indulgence. It is rather what the original language intended. It is release from bondage and captivity. It is pardon which means release from prosecution and punishment even though guilty! It is release from the responsibility of a debt owed.

 

          This kind of liberty is not known except by the prosecution and punishment of a substitute because the law requires its due. That is why Jesus adds, just before He closes the book, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” Those assembled were deeply offended because they had not known and still did not know this liberty. They waited for it in the person of Messiah and the significance was not lost on them.

 

          American reader, please know that when we hear the word Democracy, they are not referring to our Republic. One is forced compliance to majority opinion while the other is responsible representation of all the people. You would only enjoy democracy if you were part of the ruling majority.

 

          Jesus was able to proclaim liberty because an acceptable substitute had been found to satisfy the rule of law and release mercy and pardon. Your prison doors have been opened. Now you must choose to remain in your cell or to enjoy your liberty.

 

Free from the law—oh, happy condition!

Jesus hath bled, and there is remission;

Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,

Christ hath redeemed us once for all.

 

Thank you, Lord, for liberating me from the prosecution and punishment of my deep guilt. This is liberty with responsibility. AMEN