“To preach deliverance to the captives.” 
              — Luke 4:18

None but Jesus can give deliverance to captives. Real liberty cometh
from him only. It is a liberty righteously bestowed; for the Son, who
is Heir of all things, has a right to make men free. The saints honour
the justice of God, which now secures their salvation. It is a liberty
which has been dearly purchased. Christ speaks it by his power, but he
bought it by his blood. He makes thee free, but it is by his own bonds.
Thou goest clear, because he bare thy burden for thee: thou art set at
liberty, because he has suffered in thy stead. But, though dearly
purchased, he freely gives it. Jesus asks nothing of us as a
preparation for this liberty. He finds us sitting in sackcloth and
ashes, and bids us put on the beautiful array of freedom; he saves us
just as we are, and all without our help or merit. When Jesus sets
free, the liberty is perpetually entailed; no chains can bind again.
Let the Master say to me, “Captive, I have delivered thee,” and it is
done for ever. Satan may plot to enslave us, but if the Lord be on our
side, whom shall we fear? The world, with its temptations, may seek to
ensnare us, but mightier is he who is for us than all they who be
against us. The machinations of our own deceitful hearts may harass and
annoy us, but he who hath begun the good work in us will carry it on
and perfect it to the end. The foes of God and the enemies of man may
gather their hosts together, and come with concentrated fury against
us, but if God acquitteth, who is he that condemneth? Not more free is
the eagle which mounts to his rocky eyrie, and afterwards outsoars the
clouds, than the soul which Christ hath delivered. If we are no more
under the law, but free from its curse, let our liberty be practically
exhibited in our serving God with gratitude and delight. “I am thy
servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.”
“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

On this day...

• Exodus 10 - 2024
• Exodus 9 - 2024
• We must stand firm in the Gospel and not be moved from it - 2019
• Never cease expecting until He ceases giving - 2019
• Fight a better fight, and war a better warfare every year you live - 2019
• Fight a better fight, and war a better warfare every year you live - 2014
• What is the Gospel? - 2012
• Ephesians 5 - 2012
• Crossing Jordan - 2012
• A New Year's Plea: Plan! - 2012