Isaiah 49:25–26, Deuteronomy 16:11–12, Galatians 3:23–26
Captivity.
When we go to a zoo, we see animals in captivity. In an attempt to keep the animals healthier, zoos invest more and more money to improve the “habitats” of the animals. It feels good to us for this to be. We have an understanding that while the captivity may be good for the species (to keep it from going extinct and to encourage people to embrace creation), we also understand that this still is not all that good.
If you have been to one of our national parks, especially one like Yellowstone, you see animals protected (mostly) and thriving. It is thrilling to see the animals relatively well, and certainly free. The animals are left (mostly) to their own devices.
We are often unaware of our own captivity. Especially in the United States, the concept of captivity (let alone slavery) is anathema to our culture and psyches. We rail against our captivity. We oppose anything that is against “us”. Sadly, that means we oppose others because we perceive (as they are not us) they are against us.
Much of the path of holiness is breaking free of our captivity.
1) What in your life has held you captive from God?
2) What in your life keeps you captive now from living the Very Good Life (yes, this still needs to be revisited)?
3) Why is it important to understand that we and others may be (and often are) blind to our own captivity?