"To preach deliverance to the captives" (Luke 4: 18).
None but Jesus can give deliverance to the captives. Real liberty comes 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. It is a liberty which has been dearly purchased by His blood. He makes you free, but it is by His own bonds. You go clear, because He bore your burden for you. You are set at liberty, because He has suffered freely in your place. 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 without our help or merit. Satan may plot to enslave us, but if the Lord is on our side, whom will we fear? The world, with its temptations, may seek to ensnare us, but mightier is He who is for us than all they who are against us. Our own deceitful hearts may harass and annoy us, but He who has begun the good work in us will carry it on and perfect it to the end. 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" (Psalm 116: 16). Lord, what will You have me to do?