Proclaim Liberty | Day 36 Freedom Season Devotional

Scripture: Leviticus 25:10
Proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. (NKJV)

Liberty is God's idea. It is what we are designed for. Our founding fathers knew this. The Liberty Bell (commissioned in 1751 for the Pennsylvania State House) has inscribed on it these words from Leviticus 25:10: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof.” The Pennsylvania State House later became known as Independence Hall, and this is where the Constitutional Convention gathered in 1787 to draft our U.S. Constitution. The bell became known as the Liberty Bell in the 1830’s when it was adopted as a symbol of the abolitionist movement.

God’s original intent for liberty is for it to be available to all people (all the inhabitants of the land). Isaiah 61:1 speaks of the anointing to, among other things, proclaim liberty to the captives. I find it interesting that most of the times that the word “liberty” is used in the Old Testament, it is used in the context of “proclaiming liberty.” In fact, in Jeremiah 34, it is used twice in the context of proclaiming liberty “every man to his neighbor.” 

The word “proclaim” means simply to announce publicly. We are instructed in Scripture to announce publicly liberty to one another. What was in bondage is now loosed. What was held captive is now freed. It is for freedom that Christ set us free. His completed work on the cross purchased true liberty for everyone who will receive it.  

We proclaim liberty to all those held in bondage to sin, to addictive behaviors and to the lies of the enemy. We proclaim liberty to be free, to be delivered and to walk in the light of His truth. This is one way we can contend for our nation, our communities and our families. Hallelujah!

Reflection: Who do I know (or know of) who is bondage that needs to be set free in one way or another? Write down your proclamation of liberty over them and make it a matter of consistent prayer until their liberty breakthrough comes. 

Prayer: Father, thank You for creating us to walk in liberty. Teach me to walk in the liberty that You desire for me. Help me to proclaim liberty to those still bound. Give me Your heart for true liberty for all people. Amen.