“I free you this day from the chains that were on your hand” (Jer. 40:4).
Free at last! What a word of final deliverance this is. Not only does the Lord promise through the prophet liberation and removal of all chains. He also assures that those chains will never be put back on: “…the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever” (Ex. 14:13-14).
In other words: “The problems you have been facing up to now, you will never have to face again forever.” To one who has been bound in chains, that is good news!
I had parked the car and was taking a shortcut through an alley to the church I was attending. I saw a man sitting there in the darkness. He was dejected and miserable. I recognized him as a person I had previously known. When I asked him what he was doing there in that dismal place, he showed me the needle marks in his arm.
An expensive heroin habit had done its job well, transforming a respected, productive human being into a derelict of society who could not function without a daily “fix.” What had once been a free man was now a prisoner of drugs. Imagine the joy which was mine to be able to share with this one bound in darkness that Jesus breaks every chain, forever!
With the Lord in our hearts and lives, you and I never have to give up. No situation is impossible with Him on our side. This verse was given to let us know that our freedom has been purchased. Because the Deliverer has come, we can be free at last!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.