Spurgeon: November AM
* 11/25/AM
"To preach deliverance to the captives."
--Luke 4.18
None but Jesus can give deliverance to captives. Real liberty
cometh 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. The saints honour the justice of God, which now secures
their salvation. It is a liberty which has been dearly
purchased . Christ speaks it by His power, but He bought it by
His blood. He makes thee free, but it is by His own bonds. Thou
goest clear, because He bare thy burden for thee: thou art set
at liberty, because He has suffered in thy stead. But, though
dearly purchased, He freely gives it . 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 all without our help or
merit. When Jesus sets free, the liberty is perpetually
entailed ; no chains can bind again. Let the Master say to me,
"Captive, I have delivered thee," and it is done for ever. Satan
may plot to enslave us, but if the Lord be on our side, whom
shall we fear? The world, with its temptations, may seek to
ensnare us, but mightier is He who is for us than all they who
be against us. The machinations of our own deceitful hearts may
harass and annoy us, but He who hath begun the good work in us
will carry it on and perfect it to the end. The foes of God and
the enemies of man may gather their hosts together, and come
with concentrated fury against us, but if God acquitteth, who is
he that condemneth? Not more free is the eagle which mounts to
his rocky eyrie, and afterwards outsoars the clouds, than the
soul which Christ hath delivered. 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." "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"