What is a captive?

     There are so many different ways to be a captive.  The captives we often think of are the ones we see on t.v. and in the movies.  The captive physically bound against escape.  The captive with visible scarring from their ordeal.  But captivity can take so many different forms.

     There are those who show none of these visible signs of their captivity.  Theirs is a hidden prison.  A shiny cage of their own polishing.  Must appear well. 

     These are the captives whose bonds are a feeling of fear.  A confusion caused by sorrow.  In whose minds, the lies spoken over them by someone else become truth.  And they have no other choice but to stay.  They can’t break free.

     But those who have known this kind of captivity can also understand the kind of freedom and unfathomable grace offered within these verses.  “He has sent me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity], To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord.”  ~ Luke 4:18-19. AMP.  Praise be to God! 

     I am grateful for the gift of knowing I am accepted and acceptable.  That by the grace of God, I am released from all manners of captivity.  And that through the love of God, I am sent forth.