“Shackled by a heavy burden, ‘neath a load of guilt and shame; then the hand of Jesus touched me. And now I am no longer the same.” (Lyrics by Doug Oldham, 1964)
There are many people in the Bible who experienced the unshackling. The explanation for their unshackling was the same, Jesus. Think about the man at the pool of Bethesda, suffering physically and undoubtedly mentally, socially and emotionally. The unshackling happened when Jesus intervened. Think about the man who was blind but gained His sight. His physical and spiritual vision shackling was undone by Jesus. Think about the woman shackled with the issue of blood for twelve long years. Surely her burden was heavy. But all that changed when Jesus intervened in her life. Call His intervention, “The Unshackling.” Think about the ten lepers who were shackled by their sickness and the shunning of others who considered them unclean. Who unshackled these outcasts? Once again, it was Jesus. Think about Paul shackled by disbelief and a definite long distance from being a disciple and Apostle of Christ. He had an experience on the Damascus Road, an unshackling began, and it started with, let me say it again, Jesus.
Today’s meditation is not targeted at unbelievers who are shackled in a seemingly ultimate situation where their souls are destined to experience eternal death. Although, even in their situation, Jesus can bring about the unshackling. But this Friday, I want to talk to believers this morning. You see, most of us experience times when we feel shackled by a heavy burden, times when we have fallen, had a failing called sin, and we just don’t feel right. Well, I want you to know that whatever you are going through, you can experience the unshackling, and you can experience positive change in your life. The explanation for your unshackling will be the same as those mentioned in the first paragraph, Jesus.
So, without any reservation, I suggest that you ask Jesus to release whatever has you shackled, and let Him give you another, yes another, testimony about “The Unshackling.” Have a great day! Be blessed!
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-32 The Message Bible)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”(Matthew 11:28-32 The Message Bible)