By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is Freedom

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on the this SoundCloud link.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
Isaiah 61:1 English Standard Version

Why are we here? Book after book has been written attempting to capture the correct answer to this question. This one verse from Isaiah also suggests an answer.

With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we are immediately called to bring the gospel to those who need to know it, help people who are sad, and assist anyone who is enslaved in sin. This enslavement can be many things, from something as big as sexual sin or murder to as small as a child who feels like they had a bad basketball game.

Freedom is available for everyone at anytime. Peace is available to ALL people, no matter how large or small the situation.

As Christians, we are called to share this message and hope with others. We are only vessels, though. God works through us as we wander through life, and with God, we have the assurance that we don’t wander aimlessly; we have a purpose.

This picture is of my son and his great-grandmother. It was taken right before Christmas a year ago and she passed away January 6. This moment was small but significant for them both. As we give our time to people and they reciprocate, the love of Christ has the opportunity to pass through to each of us. As a friend of mine, a priest in town, said recently, “We disciple one another.”

It’s easy to carry this verse out in small ways. Making eye contact with someone might give them the opportunity to connect with God through you. When we reach out to others it becomes natural for us to bind up the broken-hearted and set the captives free.

I challenge all of us to slow down and ask God where he wants us to spend our time. It is a joy to be where He is!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado