Kidzablaze Devotions

Luke 4:16-21

16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read.

17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

18 ``THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,

19 TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD."

20 And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.

21 And He began to say to them, ``Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

Many people appear to be happy. Internally, though, many are in bondage. In today’s passage, Jesus clarifies His purpose: He has come to set us free.

Jesus breaks the chains of sin. All people have broken God’s law (Romans 3:23), and the consequence is to live apart from Him. But Christ’s death and resurrection free us when we accept His gift of forgiveness and place our trust in Him.

God also liberates us from persistent sins like jealousy and bitterness. His Spirit resides within each believer and provides the power to resist making wrong choices. Whether by bringing immediate healing or by giving guidance and strength in an ongoing battle, God enables us to do what He desires.

The Creator of mankind made us with a void in our heart that only He can fill. Everything we put there—whether it seems like a good thing or is obviously a bad choice—will ultimately leave us wanting. And we’ll remain in bondage until God frees us and provides the only source of true satisfaction: Himself.

Are you one of those people who seem to have life figured out yet still feel uneasy and empty inside? There is a way to change that. Jesus Christ is the only One who can forgive your sins and fill every empty place in your soul.