Proclaim the Christian’s Freedom – Week of July 4, 2016

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me.  He has sent me…to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.
Isaiah 61:1


ECME Devotion – July 4, 2016

Devotion based on Isaiah 61:1

See series: ECME Devotions

When the smoke cleared on the morning of September 14, 1814, the battered American flag still stood. This sight of victory caused Frances Scott Key to write what eventually became our national anthem, the “Star Spangled Banner”. That anthem is now proudly sung across the entire United States, a reminder of our freedoms.

When the smoke cleared on that first Easter morning, the once battered and crucified Savior stood victorious over sin, death, and the devil. Because of that victory, you are now dedicating your lives to telling others about that message. Your life is a religious “national anthem” of sorts.

There are many children and families in your care that don’t’ know what it’s like to be free. They still don’t yet know the message of the crucified and risen Savior. The message of the gospel is still hidden behind a veil of despair or pride for some of those we serve. The Sovereign LORD has called you to pull back that veil, so that they may see the victory is won. Those unbelievers whom we serve still strive and grasp about, blindly seeking the “meaning of life”. The LORD has sent you to provide for them THE meaning of life. Praise and thanks to God for giving you that opportunity.

That sounds like a tall order, doesn’t it? Thankfully, God our Savior does all of the work for us. We merely carry out our duties faithfully, and the LORD of all creation does the rest. That glorious gospel message has the power to work faith. Take heart, even your meager, stumbling efforts do not come back to the LORD empty. Trust the power of God’s Word!

On this Independence Day, take a moment to thank God for your freedoms. Thank him for the opportunity that he has afforded you to “proclaim freedom for the captives”. Especially thank him for the faith that he has already worked in your hearts—the faith with which you reach out and receive the gift of sins forgiven and eternal life.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the freedom that we have through Christ.  Help me to faithfully proclaim that freedom to those in my care. Amen.

Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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