Hostage
Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • 02/05/2025
“And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.” (Gen 42:24)
Joseph, was sold into slavery by his “not so” loving brothers. So he knew what it was like to be held hostage. But why he held Simeon as a hostage instead of Reuben, we are not sure. Perhaps because Simeon was a bloody man as seen in Genesis Chapter 34 (Gen 34:25). I will ask Joseph when I see him and I’ll try not to speculate on it. Simeon’s situation was different than other hostage stories because he was in the hands of a savior, his brother Joseph.
It is a horrendous ordeal that many are being held hostage in Gaza. None can be sure of their fate however, we pray continually that all hostages in the world are released from their bondage so that they may return to their homes. We know that God knows the situations. I have met hostages in the past. As I speak to some periodically, I find that there are those who are being held hostage here in the area where I live. They are hostages of sin. They are hostages of satan but the difference is that the devil doesn’t have any demands with the exception to serve him. His goal? Destruction of one’s soul. Coming out of sin is not easy however, we have a Savior who will break the bonds of sin. “. . . if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Tim 2:25-26) My friend, if you are being held hostage, there is an answer. By acknowledging the truth, repenting of the sins in your life, and receiveing Christ as your Lord and Savior, (John 1:12) He will help you escape your hostage situation. He has already paid the price with His blood for your sins (Col 1:14 KJV). Jesus will set you free. You will no longer be a ‘hostage’ but a ‘son’. (Gal 4:7)
For those of you who are saved (born again - John 3:7), and are having a hard time dealing with sin, call out to Him continually. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Sound too simple? The Gospel of Christ was not written for geniuses, it was written for everyone including simple folks like me. However, to remain in fellowship with Him we must call upon Him daily. I have a friend that says “God will use a clean vessel more than a dirty one.” That makes sense. Be fervent in your prayer life. (James 5:16)
Let us all ask for that cleansing each day so that our communication with God is clear without obstructions. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Ps 66:18) (Thank you for that reminder Brother Phil) “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
There is no freedom without Jesus.
Thanks for “Taking 5" • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
www.iamnotashamed.com • God bless and bless GOD
