In Luke 13, Jesus notices a woman who has had "a disabling spirit" for 18 years, and sets her free. He does so on the Sabbath, the religious day of rest. His opponents complain he ought not be doing such work on the Sabbath, and Jesus argues that, if releasing a farm animal for water on the Sabbath is allowed, then surely releasing this woman is allowed also.
This is not just an argument to draw different lines in a
legalistic world. Jesus claimed that "freeing the oppressed" (see Luke 4) was his mission. Ironically, by freeing her from oppression, Jesus GAVE that woman the Sabbath-rest his opponents thought they were protecting.
Jesus handed over his mission to his followers -- you and me -- so our mission is also to 'free the oppressed.'
How many around us are bound up in anxiety and fear? How many don't have enough to eat, or struggle with learning in school? How often do our servers need to be set free by a ready smile, a generous tip, and our own warm thanks?
We an ask the Holy Spirit for opportunities, and to be overflowing with the love of Jesus. Then we are released to notice and 'set free the oppressed' in large and small ways, through blessings of words and actions, everywhere we go.
Follow Jesus -- set someone free today!
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