When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.

Jeremiah 29:10 NIV

Chains. What comes to mind when you read that word? I think heavy, binding, prisoner, captive, sin. Sin has the potential to hold us prisoner, deeper and stronger than we ever thought possible. Is there any hope of being free from the bondage of sin? 

God was serious when He instructed the Israelites to love and serve Him only. But sin led them down the path to God’s judgement. After leaving Egypt, they wandered in the desert for 40 years for their lack of belief and trust, instead of going directly into their promised land (Numbers 14). Once they were settled in their land, they worshipped and sacrificed to idols. Ignoring the prophets’ warnings, the people of Judah found themselves carried off, serving 70 years of captivity in Babylon.

Today, He allows us to experience sin’s captivity or a trial that might be a natural consequence of our sin. When someone needs hands-on learning, I call this going on a “field trip.” 

The Israelites were known for their ability to get themselves in the middle of a field trip experience. But even though the Lord allowed this, He sent words of hope and promise to them as they endured their bondage. This is what the Lord says, “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future, (Jeremiah 29:10-11 NIV).

Ask God what is holding you captive. He will reveal it to you. Then confess, repent, and allow Him to cleanse and set you free. Only then can you enjoy freedom from the gripping weight of discarded chains. Don’t wait to be sent on a field trip to learn the lesson!  It will be educational, but it will not be fun! 

Lord, open our eyes to see where we need cleansing and help us to be willing to allow You to break our chains of bondage.

Johna Clemons