"Free Yet Prisoners"

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isaiah 61:1

Many people around the world are being held behind bars in prisons this morning. Some are there because they are guilty of a crime.  Some are serving time for crimes they didn't commit.  Some are there for preaching the gospel or taking a moral stand.  But did you know that there are more people who are on the outside of prison bars that are prisoners than there are behind bars?

There are more ways to be in a prison than behind literal bars. Many people are walking around as "free prisoners". They are being held in a prison of sin. Some are in prisons of addiction- addiction to drugs, alcohol, porn, cigarettes, food, pleasure, lusts and immorality. There are people who daily sit in prisons of fear. Some of those prisoners have not left their homes in years.  Some are afraid to speak up for fear they will be ridiculed.  There are those who are afraid to get out of their comfort zones for fear of failure so they never make a step to achieve anything. Some people are held in emotional prisons- they battle guilt, shame, condemnation, low self worth, bitterness, confusion, rejection, always seeking someone's approval or affirmation, etc. Some are imprisoned in their bodies because of an illness. Some are being held prisoner by other people's self-centered will-- they are abused, manipulated, belittled, or aren't allowed to think for them selves. There are those who are living in the past and are being held a prisoner there-- past hurts, past failures, past rejections, past betrayal by someone they loved and trusted. These are just a few of the prisons that people are in this morning- there are many more.

Perhaps you are in a prison this morning, such as was named above. If you are, I have good news! There is complete and total liberation from the prison chains that bind you. Jesus Christ came to set the captive free and open the prison door to them who are bound. It doesn't matter what prison it is-- He can open them all. He has the key that fits and unlocks each one- He is the key.

Have a great day. The Key (Jesus) is standing before you waiting to unlock your prison door.