He has sent me…to proclaim freedom for the captives

And release from darkness for the prisoners.

Isaiah 61:1

This is good news for our prodigals. We are living in the time between Jesus’ first ministry on earth (v.1-2a) and His second coming (v. 2b-3). His first ministry is still in effect. The day of vengeance of our God is still coming. His ministry now involves preaching good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted, proclaiming freedom for the captives, releasing from darkness for the prisoners, and proclaiming the year of the Lords favor…all of which He does through us, His church.

I noticed that in Luke 4:18-19, Jesus only reads from Isaiah 61:1-2a, because He was proclaiming His now ministry—“Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”(v.21) All were amazed when He said this, but still they did not accept Him. Today, Jesus is still proclaiming freedom for the captives and releasing those in prison from the darkness.

Our prodigals are captives; they are living in a prison of darkness. But Jesus overcame the darkness because He is the light and light always overcomes darkness. If you go outside at night and put some darkness in a bag, close the bag up and then come into the light and release the darkness from the bag, what happens? The light overcomes it. So it is with Jesus. The true light that gives light to every man came into the world (John 1:9). And Jesus is now using us to declare to that darkness in His name to be released.

Open _________’s eyes and turn him/her/them from darkness to light, and

from the power of Satan to God so that he/she/they may receive

forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus.

Acts 26:18

OR

Reach down from heaven and rescue _________; rescue __________ from deep waters, from the

power of his/her/their enemies. Whose mouths are full of lies who swear to tell the truth but lie instead.

Psalm 144:7-8

We don’t know what it’s going to take for them to get free, but be assured that we play a part through our prayers, our love and blessing, and our faith. Jesus plays a part because He is the light and has the power to overcome their darkness and release them from their captivity. That light lives in us through His Spirit so we make a great team. Never forget, it’s Jesus’ ministry to set the captives free!