Today's Devotional

March 15, 2005

Subject:  Taken Captive By The Hostage

1 Kings 8:50 - "And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them."

Perhaps you've heard the story by now.  Ashley Smith was the woman in Atlanta who was taken hostage by Brian Nichols who had, earlier that day, killed 4 people.  As a hostage she began to talk to him about his life and eventually pulled out the book entitled "The Purpose Driven Life" and asked him if he knew what his purpose was.  She went on to tell him that his purpose was now to go into the jails and tell those prisoners about Jesus Christ.  Eventually Nichols let Ashley go.  She called the police and they made the arrest without incident.

What a great testimonial of faith for Ashley.  However, she clearly states how scared she was initially.  One of the first questions she asked the murderer was, "why do you think God brought you to me?"  His response is probably what reminded her of her purpose.  He stated, "I think you are an angel from God."  Perhaps that's what reminded her that we are here to minister to the world just as angels are here to minister and care for us.  At that point, as she talked about him going back to jail, perhaps she realized that she had felt imprisoned by her fear.  

In the end Ashley serves as a fine example of how, as Christians, we are never taken captive in Christ.  He came to set us free and that's a permanent freedom.  Whether it's fear, hate, sin, emotional pain or anything else, it doesn't matter.  We are free.  So what is holding you hostage today?  Don't let it control you.  Take it captive! 

Carlen