Recover from captivity

April 27, 2021 (Bible Devotional)

Satan is a kidnapper. He robs us of the experience that God would want us to have. Yet, even though he places us in bondage, he wants to make us think that he desires our freedom. This is the reason why many who are living in sin believe that they are living “the life.” And others who are addicted to substances and detrimental behaviors will fail to realize that they are hurting their existence. Because Satan bounds without physical chains, we can be his prisoners without even realizing that we are into his snare.

The captivity of sin is bondage that leads to death. The Bible reminds us that the wages of sin are death. We may decide to go away from God and to discover ourselves. Yet, when we make that choice, we open the door and allow Satan to take control. While we are free to choose between Christ and Satan, we must understand that Satan makes great promises but he never sacrifices for any of his followers. Those who fall into the snare of Satan are simply pawns to perform his bidding. The claims and promises of Satan are grand in the beginning, yet in the end, they only bring bitterness.

Just like the fishermen use bait to capture their prey, Satan follows the same method. He ensnares those who fall into his nets with lies. And we cannot get off from his snare without the power of God. We may try to break free, yet once we are baited by Satan, our attempt will require more force and determination. Satan calculates his snares. And without persevering efforts, he will take us in easily. And once trapped, we may feel like there is no way out. Yet, the Bible promises that God can deliver us from the snares of Satan. Through Christ, we can be delivered from the assaults of the devil.

Here we read that the captives may recover from the snare of Satan. And there is an emphasis that they should recover themselves. While Christ is ready to give us victory, we have a part to play. If we conclude that the snare of Satan is the best way to live, then God has no right to us. But when we realize that we are trapped and cry out for deliverance, Christ will rescue us. We can recover by repentance and God will do the necessary work to restore us completely. Healthful habits will replace destructive addiction. Service will replace sin. There is hope for the captives.

Are you taken into the snare of the devil?

The Prayer — Heavenly Father, deliver us from the snare of the devil. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

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