DAY 2: Liberating Hope

The word slavery makes most of us cringe.

We think of the disturbing ways the world once operated—when people were treated no better than beasts of burden, used and abused by those with more power. History is full of examples of various forms of slavery—most forced, some voluntary. For this exploration, we’ll use this definition: slavery is submission to a dominating force.

The Israelites were dominated by Egypt, but as their story unfolds, it becomes clear that they were also dominated by a mindset that held them captive. That is what’s so nefarious—there are forces that can capture our souls, minds, and hearts just as surely as the Egyptians enslaved bodies.

While we may not face the same kind of slavery the Israelites endured, we all wrestle with dominating forces—things that hold us captive and leave us feeling helpless.

I invite you to pause and reflect for a moment:

• What circumstance or mindset is holding you captive—emotionally, physically, or spiritually?
• How do you feel dominated by this force?
• In what ways have you struggled to find freedom?

For me, it’s my thoughts that often hold me captive. I allow myself to be enslaved by worry, anxiety, and depression. Those feelings can spiral downward until I feel like I’m being sucked under a tidal wave—barely able to catch my breath and completely helpless. And helplessness is the key to keeping anyone in bondage. Without hope, submission seems like the only option.

What I need—what every captive needs—is the same thing Israel needed: HOPE

Before Israel could move out of slavery, they first needed hope—and that is where God began. Speaking to Moses, who was himself living in the wilderness in bondage to his past choices, God opened the door of hope for His people.

In Exodus 3:16–17, He said: “Now go and call together all the elders of Israel. Tell them, ‘Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has appeared to me. He told me, ‘I have been watching closely, and I see how the Egyptians are treating you. I have promised to rescue you from your oppression in Egypt. I will lead you to a land flowing with milk and honey.”

Ponder God’s words:

“I have been watching closely…

I see…

I have promised to rescue…

I will lead…”

Those are words of deliverance!

And God’s heart for those in bondage hasn’t changed.

READ

Luke 4:18–21[Jesus] unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.”
…Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

REFLECT

• How did Jesus describe His mission?
• How is this different from what you expect of Jesus?
• How specifically does this give you hope in your captivity?

The God who delivered the Israelites is the same God who can and will deliver you. Jesus personally claimed freedom as His mission. Your circumstances are not hopeless—because Hope has a name: Jesus. He sees. He has promised to rescue. He promised to lead you.

Do you believe this?

Consider others who were bound in their circumstances. Each one found the freedom they were desperate for, but first they heard and hoped.

1. Woman with the issue of blood–Mark 5:27: “When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak.”
2. Blind Bartimaeus–Mark 10:47: “When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’”
3. Canaanite woman with a demon-possessed daughter–
   Mark 3:8“When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him…”
   Matthew 15:22: “A Canaanite woman… came to him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”
4. People in bondage–Luke 6:17–18: “A large crowd of his disciples was there… Those troubled by impure spirits were cured.”
5. Friends of captives–Mark 1:28, 32: “News about him spread quickly… That evening… the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.”
6. A Roman centurion–Luke 7:3: “The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders… asking him to come and heal his servant.”

REFLECT:

• What characterizes all these people?
• What might they have had to overcome to seek Jesus?
• How did their journey toward freedom start with hope?
• What freedom do you need today?
• What mindset do you need to overcome to embrace hope?
• Do you believe that Jesus can fulfill His mission of setting captives free, and will you seek Him?

Your journey out of bondage begins with hope.

Prayer Focus

Most gracious Father, we thank you that you are our hope. We thank you that you are our strong tower. As we begin this study, I pray that you would prepare our hearts and our minds, that we would be receptive to you at work in us. We ask that we search ourselves and see the ways that we are in bondage. Allow us to know that our hope is in you! Thank you for your goodness. We love you, Father, Amen.