Getting Free

On July 4th, 1776, thirteen colonies proclaimed their independence from England.  That event eventually led to the formation of the United States of America.  Every year our nation celebrates this historic event on July 4th.

I have always looked at Luke 4:18, as the Biblical proclamation of freedom from oppression.  After Jesus had fulfilled His forty days in the wilderness overcoming the temptations of Satan, He began His earthly ministry.  The Bible tells us that Jesus went into the synagogue in Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and read these words from the book of Isaiah:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind.
To set at liberty those who are oppressed."
                                           Luke 4:18  (NKJV)

After Jesus read these words He said, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Many of us today are not really free.  We struggle with problems and various issues of stress almost daily, which can take away the joy that Jesus promised to His followers.  Jesus was aware that we can become prisoners of our own mind.  How do we break free?  How do we capture peace of mind?  How do we get free?  

Jesus says that whoever believes in Him and has a relationship with Him, that He will give them peace and set them free from the struggles and stress of life.  Developing that relationship with the Lord is the most important thing you can do in your life.  That requires talking to the Lord on a daily basis and growing in your personal walk with Him.  Make this Independence Day your independence from oppression of any kind.  Jesus knows now is the time to get free and He will help you every step of the way.

Happy 4th of July to you and your family.  May God's love be with you.