Set the Captives Free (Forgiveness Pt. 4/Final)

The Messiah's work was to be very extensive, yet this prophecy seemingly
speaks exclusively to the relief work to be done for the downtrodden.

The ministry of the Promised One is to be characterized by some very powerful work. Interestingly enough, despite the countless miracles of Jesus there isn't one actual (physical) miracle listed in this description of His mission. Rather the focus is on relieving the burdens of the socially oppressed.  He deals with social issues like...reciprocity...and pardons, and emotional therapy.

And with all of this, there is that one line that that really sticks out to me. The Promised One will boldly "proclaim liberty to the captives..."  And closely aligned with His proclamation is the actual opening of the prison gates. And just like that He says, "You are all free to go."

It's a very beautiful image for those of us who have been separated from an imprisoned loved one. Yet, it may be harrowing for someone who has been victimized by a prisoner. I mean, it is very risky business to set the prisoners free. They could easily pick up where they left off and re-offend. The really intriguing thing is that God is fully aware of the risk, and it's actually His idea that they be freed. Wow, talk about grace!  Now I must add that there are some very specific historical-cultural aspects to this idea which we must address another time. Nevertheless, the imagery is very powerful still.

To set the captives free requires a great deal of trust. It would be a sad deal if we were to follow them around the mall making sure they don't steal anything, or to refuse them gainful employment for fear that they might criminalize the work environment.

Even more sad is the fact that we have in many ways kept them prisoners (if in no other way than) in our own minds. We determine that they will suffer at least just as much as they caused us to suffer so we resolve to hold them captive indefinitely. No pardon, no reprieve, no appeal; just pain, suffering, and torture.

In my first post about forgiveness I introduced a clip wherein one interviewee told her story of victimization. In the following video she and another interviewee talk about the value of forgiveness and setting the captives free.

I can only imagine the relief and joy of freedom that one must feel knowing that they could be, should be, severely punished, only to find that they have been pardoned and released. It must be an absolutely overwhelming experience.  But the truth is, I have received that very same experience in Christ, and He has given me the responsibility to extend that same privilege of grace to those in need. It's an honorable and noble opportunity and an awesome gift.

Now, should we offer rehabilitation to prisoners and set up systems to protect ourselves from systematic, cyclical victimization? I believe we should. But those methods of rehab and prevention are not means to imprison, but rather tools for liberation. It would be treacherous to a pedophile to give him a job working with children. Rather, let's find an area where he can be free to use his gifts and talents that do not so easily tempt him, while we provide therapeutic support that aides in his healing process.

Yet, we retain the satisfaction that God has worked in us a mighty work of liberation, and now works through us that very same work. My, what a feeling of sweetness. Meanwhile we are aware of the the fact that to refuse to forgive is to refuse God's forgiveness. It's amazing how in the video they talked about how much forgiveness helped their own personal healing process. He forgives us as we forgive others, and it is true that often times we hold grudges against people who have forgotten we exist. It's an exercise in futility. We must be willing to forgive; "proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of prison to them that are bound." For it has often been said, "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and then to find out that that prisoner is you."