Captives Set Free

The Sound of Freedom movie exposes the works of the evil one. The Lord says to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” [1] It exposed enslavement of people for the pleasure of others as ugly, cruel, and inhumane.

The devil’s goal is to make everyone his slave. How does he do this? He tempts people to sin, and once they do it, he says, “now you belong to me.” He tells God that the humans made in God’s image now belong to him. Why? Because just as he rebelled against God’s rule, so has this man or woman made in God's image.

The devil’s goal is to get people addicted to sinning so that their enslavement to him becomes stronger and more secure, and harder to break. He sets up a stronghold over them that no human wisdom, or effort can break.

Any government or authority figure that coerces or seduces people to sin against God is working as an agent of Satan to enslave people to chains of sin! Slaves are not free! They cannot rebel against their master without being beaten, deprived, or killed.

Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’

They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?’

Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’” [2]

The good news here is that our Lord Jesus, who just happens to be the most powerful king in the universe, wants people to be free from sin. He died on the cross to atone for our sins. He resurrected from the dead to show His power over sin, death, and the devil. He gives believers in Him the Holy Spirit to help us delight in God and in God’s will, so that the devil cannot enslave us to sin again.

The Lord is merciful to us. Without Him, none of us would be here today. Without Him, we can never rise above where we have always been. We may have certain freedoms given to us by the Lord, but unless we seek and trust Him, there will be so many freedoms that we will miss out on. Like seeing captives set free. Like healing brokenhearted people! [3] Jesus wants us to enjoy serving alongside of Him, but it is up to us to accept His invitation. Can we trust Him to use us in ways that He has never used us before? That’s what being a disciple of Jesus is about.

[1] Ephesians 5:11
[2] John 8:31-36
[3] Luke 4:18