Oppressed or Rest?

I can only imagine what students and faculty are experiencing because of the challenges of distant learning. Apprehensions, fears, misunderstandings, and frustrations can leave us feeling oppressed. To be oppressed means to be in a place or in circumstances that cause chronic discomfort, pain, and trouble to one's well - being. There are multiple examples of this found in the Bible. One particular instance is described in Jeremiah 50:33-34:

This is what the LORD Almighty says: "The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to let them go. Yet their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to the their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon.

To be oppressed is to be held captive by forces that are harmful and potentially life threatening. The Israelites were experiencing severe oppression. They were not able to deliver themselves but they had their Redeemer who was strong! He is the LORD Almighty! There was no captor that could withstand the delivering, redeeming power of the LORD! He defended their cause so they could dwell safely in their land and have rest!

What about us? Is there something oppressing? Do we feel like we are held captive to fears; fear of failure, fear of being attacked, fear of the future? Are we oppressed with doubts; doubts related to the inability to understand and learn class material through the online platform? Do the feelings of loneliness torment our minds night after night? Are we held captive by addictions whether they be physical or spiritual? Is there any relief in sight? Is there someone who can help us? Someone greater than our 'captors' who oppress us unmercifully? Yes, there is!

The LORD Almighty is our Redeemer! He is strong and able to set us free from any type of oppression whether it be physical or spiritual! This is the reason why the Lord Jesus Christ came to earth; to deliver us from all the power of sin and the devil. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him (Acts 10:38 NIV). Some translations use the word 'oppressed' instead of 'under the power of the devil'.

Let us put our faith in Christ Jesus! He is strong and able to deliver us from all the power of the devil! He will give us rest from the oppression of fear, hopelessness, worry, and all torment of mind and soul. The devil's desire is to destroy our lives. But when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus to save us, He will vigorously defend us from the oppression of the devil! Receive Him, believe in the love He has for you and experience His restful peace!

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