The toddler balanced securely on her crib railing, feet firmly woven around the bars and hand holding the end panel. She was determined that she would not leave her crib until her parents got home from their brief outing. Awaking early from her nap, the little one refused to take the outstretched arms of Papa or Grammy. Instead, she stubbornly retreated back into her crib, content with waiting and rejecting the freedom offered.

Wow, do we act like this sometimes? Choosing to stay stuck in our little “habitat”, perhaps mad that what’s coming to “greet” us isn’t our first choice or particular preference for the moment? Instead of leaning forward in freedom, we retreat into a sulking disappointment, missing out on new or different experiences or blessings.

Listen as Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). Jesus announced that He was fulfilling that very prophecy.

Jesus set us free from sin, free from the bondage and burden of sin. We have been set free to walk a new life with Him when we accept Him as Savior.

As believers, do we live in Christ’s freedom? Do we lean into Him, trusting His open arms, believing He knows best? Have we risked stepping into the new thing He has prepared for us to do, remembering that He is always with us?

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1a).

The prison doors have been opened, my friend. May we move forward into the life-giving freedom of Christ.