Freedom and Release
Our culture is awash with various channels to escape the struggles and frustration of life. We can see the role this escapism has played in the number of people who are addicted to a variety of things of this world. The beginning of addiction begins innocently enough with trying something for "enjoyment" and a sense of fulfillment. Soon, maybe not immediately, the person finds this new escape to be a valid way to forget (through ignoring) the struggles of today. Sadly, over time, the struggles and frustrations close in on the person even tighter, and they have become overwhelmed with the new found addiction that once was "enjoyable" and brought fulfillment, but now has a nasty hold on the person. It is easy for me to negate the thought of escapism or addiction in my own life, until I realize the numerous times I seek fulfillment and enjoyment in escaping the necessary tasks of the day for something that requires less work and less risk. E. Stanley Jones in his devotion, The Word Became Flesh, speaks of television's role in our escapism: The whole trend of TV addiction is a symptom of escapism-action by proxy instead of action by person. We let someone else do the acting for us-on a screen. Those who give themselves to this deteriorate. For it is the Word become picture instead of the Word become flesh. A nation of TV viewers is no substitute for life-doers. It becomes a nation of secondhanders, incapable of coming firsthand with life" (Week 40-Monday). In Isaiah 61:1c, we read, "to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners." It is wonderful to know that Jesus' ministry came to give freedom and release to those who are captive and those in prison. When I look around our nation, I see so many people who are held captive with busyness, internet, television, movies, alcohol, drugs, etc. Each of these worldly pleasures often come to the forefront as a way to run away from the difficulties of today or the fears of tomorrow. The constant escapism leads us away from Jesus and toward the temporary relief and release of this world. In order to proclaim freedom and release, we must first admit our own struggles with escapism that hold us captive. We also must realize there are people in our world today who have made bad decisions that have earned them prison time, yet be willing to set aside our own preconceived notions of those who have "served time" to make us open to be in ministry to them. How are you captive with the things of this world? Are you fasting some of these items in your life during Lent? If so, are you finding more time to spend with Jesus and family to find fulfillment and freedom? How are you proclaiming freedom and release? Are you actively in ministry to those who are struggling with addictions and/or have been incarcerated? How is the Holy Spirit calling you to proclaim freedom and release? I believe the Holy Spirit has the power to break this captivity and bring light to the darkness. As we progress in this Lenten Adventure, I pray you will see those who are seeking freedom and need Light. I pray you will respond as you feel led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Prayer: We confess our own captivity to escapism and second-hand living. We pray you will free us from this captivity and give us light to see our situation in a new way. Give us the power and courage to proclaim freedom and release. Also, give us the willingness to meet the "outcastes" in our society who have paid the penalty for their unlawful activities offering them the grace, mercy and freedom found in Jesus Christ. Amen.
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