08/06/2023 - THE RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY

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That the LORD your God will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the nations where the LORD your God has scattered you. Deuteronomy 30.3

What happened to the Hebrews in Egypt, when they became captives under Pharaoh’s whip, was like a message to mankind. Man became a slave to the hellish forces because Adam consciously disobeyed the divine command: not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2.17). The Israelites stopped serving God, and as a consequence, the devil led them into slavery. This happens to anyone who turns away from the Lord.

The new generations of Jacob’s sons, born in the land of Ham, gradually turned away from the Most High and soon found themselves in the hands of Pharaoh, who saw in them a cheap and precious labor force. When they realized their mistake, they were already serving the ruler of that country without any rights. How did the chosen ones get to this point? Well, today many have been saved, but are in the devil’s hands.

Later, out of Egypt, the Israelites split into two groups and, as a result, they turned away from the Word of God, and indulged in all kinds of sin. They even worshipped other gods, invoking darkness and offering their children in sacrifices condemned by the Lord. Soon Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came and took the people of Samaria captive (2 Kings 18.9). A little later, Nebuchadnezzar took Judah to Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:6). Complete defeat!

But almost two thousand years earlier, Moses prophesied that they would not stay forever in Babylon, because God Himself would bring them back from captivity. Isaiah even prophesied the name of the king who would allow this return: Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he shall perform all My pleasure; saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built”; and to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid” (Isaiah 44.28). None of God’s promises have ever failed nor will they ever fail!

God has had mercy on His children and led them into His house. This prophecy holds true for our family members. As we accepted Jesus as Savior, the mantle of salvation and mercy was extended over our family as well: So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16.31). Those who have converted should claim their family will repent and be saved. Don’t let yours be lost! Do something!

The divine promise was addressed to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and today it is addressed to the saved in Christ. The Lord says that He will gather them from the nations, but if there are none who believe in Him and claim His blessings, nothing will happen. The Christian needs to stand in the gap between his family members and God to make the connection with the Father on their behalf. It will be sad to see them being sent to the lake of brimstone and fire. Remember Paul’s words to Timothy: But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5.8). Be careful!

Very soon God will break the hellish chains that keep your family members in the devil’s hands. Why let them perish, knowing that they will be cast into darkness? Well, people worse than the unfaithful will also go to eternal damnation. Be wise and claim the salvation of your own!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares