“Is this not the fast which I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke?”

— Isaiah 58:6

Get ready for a Jesus invasion!

God’s heart is revealed through Jesus’ mission. In Luke 4:18, 19 Jesus proclaimed the reason he came to earth. He emphatically states, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus came so we could be free. 

Jesus came to cast out all oppression. 

Jesus came to give sight to the blind.

Jesus came to let prisoners out of prison and break every yoke of slavery.

Jesus came to fight for you!

Jesus’ coming was an invasion bringing heavenly hope. This is not a quiet demure or gentle coming; it is an aggressive assault on the Kingdom of Darkness. A jailbreak is not a timid undertaking—walls are busted and chains broken. Breaking of the yoke takes power and force. When Jesus invades, fear, oppression, depression, addiction, loneliness, complacency, and all that binds us, is shattered and falls to the ground never to have power over us again.  Allow Jesus to invade, and then set up his residence in your heart and mind.

In order to destroy the things that are destroying you, you must become bold and cast off apathy and procrastination. Today is the day Jesus wants to break any yoke, any prison, anything that is keeping you from breaking through into freedom!

“This is not a quiet, demure or gentle coming; it is an aggressive assault on the kingdom of darkness.”

What is hidden in the corners of your mind? What emotions do you subconsciously protect because you think it is a place of justification for your hurts? How do you medicate the pain you’ve experienced or the fears you can’t seem to conquer?

ACTION: Make a list and then, out loud, speak the name of Jesus over oppression. Declare to yourself and your past that all that holds you in its grip are broken. Tell the Devil and his demons that you cancel any power or permission you have given them. Spiritually take control.

Because bondage is one of spirit and mind, understand that your fight is a daily fight to re-route your human brain as well as embolden your spirit. Past triggers tip your mind into a place where what you want to do is something you don’t always do. We must take Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 not only spiritually but literally, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will,” Give Jesus permission to transform your past pattern of thinking to a new spirit-filled power and trust in him – begin to think differently.

Prayer of freedom:

“Jesus, I open the following area of my life to your invasion of freedom. In Jesus’ name, the yoke of ____________is broken off my life. It has no power over me. I was a prisoner, but today I am free. ___________ has no power over my mind and emotions.”

“Is this not the fast which I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke?”

— Isaiah 58:6

Undo… unwrap… unbind anything that binds you and holds you captive. A yoke was a tool used to harness the power of oxen and drive them to perform a task their owner demanded. A yoke is a power someone or something has over your direction and accomplishments. A yoke is control. Is there anything in your life that is controlling your destiny or fruitfulness? Have you allowed someone to throw a yoke about your neck? 

Ezekiel foretells of a beautiful time when God breaks the yoke of slavery. “Also the tree of the field will yield its fruit, and the earth will yield its increase, and they will be secure on their land. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bars of their yoke and have delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them.” Ezekiel 34:27.

“THE LIST OF LIES CAN BIND OUR MIND WITH YOKE THAT PARALYZES OUR FUTURE AND TRUST IN GOD.”

Without realizing it, you can allow others to have control over you. Even from a place of good intent, you can let others control your reason to serve. Other times, due to our failings or mistakes, control is handed over because we owe someone. You can allow your past failures  or what others have said about you, to control your motivations. Have you ever had the thought that you are not talented enough to take that job, or you don’t have enough influence or connections? The enemy can lie and tell you someone else can do a better job, or your dreams have already been attained by others. The lying thought I have often fought against is, “Why pursue something someone else has done better? Well-known leaders offer more than I could ever offer.” The list of lies can bind your mind with a yoke that paralyzes your future and trust in God. You are  unique, called, and given a special gift. Never allow what others have said to diminish God’s gifts and promises to you; that is a yoke that must be unbound. 

ACTION: Identify any yoke you have allowed to be draped over your identity. What cinched down lies need to be unbuckled, loosened, and tossed aside? Have you spoken a limiting yoke over your future? Have you accepted second best rather than God’s best? Find at least two scriptures that speak to the freedom you need. God’s truth is always the opposite of the enemy’s lies?

“Is this not the fast which I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke?”

— Isaiah 58:6

What kind of fast are you beginning? The context before this verse highlights those who are fasting for all of the wrong reasons; a fast of selfishness and personal desire (v3). Notice the kind of a fast that God is asking for – one with a clear choice, the results of which are based on faith partnered with action. The choice here is all about a release from oppression. 

It is God’s desire to “...loosen the bonds of wickedness.” The New International Version (NIV) translates wickedness as “injustice.” This passage is talking about the burden of injustice. What has been done to you that feels wrong and unjust – something you ended up dealing with that wasn’t of your making? This injustice is a bond. Memories of betrayal and unfairness can hold your heart and hope hostage. The real and natural emotions of injustice, if not surrendered to Jesus, can result in bitterness and a “get even” mentality. This bond slowly wraps itself around your thoughts and holds you back from freedom. 

“The most powerful cutting tool upon the bonds of injustice is the act of forgiveness.”

ACTION: Identify any injustice done to you and surrender that pain at the cross. Speak to that injustice and loose it from your mind and emotions. Cancel any power you’ve given it. The most powerful cutting tool upon the bonds of injustice is the act of forgiveness. Is there someone you must forgive? Is there someone you must be reconciled to? Finally, is there anyone to whom you have been unjust? Is there someone you have hurt who needs to hear your plea for forgiveness?

The yoke or bonds of oppression begin to loosen when all negative emotions tied to fear, control, and unforgiveness are surrendered. What has been unjustly committed against you that must be surrendered? Your desire to control the consequences must be given over to God. Take that action of faith today. Forgive and be forgiven!

Welcome to 21 Days of Restoration.

You are invited to open the Bible and walk with Pastor Tim Johnson through Isaiah 58:6-12 where you will discover God’s heart for your freedom and restoration. This series will be both inspiring and challenging as you will be asked to put action to what the Holy Spirit is leading you toward!