Text: Isaiah 49:24-25
Memory text:
“He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: For there were many with me.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭55‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Hostages are illegally captured individuals used for political purposes or to force a stronger enemy army to surrender or to come to the negotiating table. Most often, they are civilians or people who were not involved in the war. It gives the weaker power some bargaining power, as the hostages’ families will pressure their own government to do whatever it takes to get the hostages released and brought back safely.
On the other hand, prisoners of war are legal detainees or enemy troops that have been captured or have surrendered. Unfortunately, many hostages and prisoners of wars die in captivity or become casualties in the process of being rescued.
However, as difficult as the safe return of war hostages and prisoners is, the Almighty God rescues them and gets them back unharmed. This is what our text says. “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?” ‭‭(Isa‬ ‭49‬:‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬).
Preys are lawful captives like the prisoners of war. They are people who haven’t done anything to be taken captive. Like one of the robbers said on the cross about Jesus, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:41 NIV). I was so touched recently when I heard the news of the acquittal of the world’s longest-serving death row inmate in Japan, after 48 years in prison! The 88-year-old man was convicted in 1966 after the police and prosecutors collaborated in fabricating and planting evidence against him! May your life and destiny not be wasted in captivity, in Jesus’ name.
Lawful captives, on the other hand, are people who had done something to merit the captivity. It could be as a result of their actions, decisions, or involvement. Examples are enemy soldiers that surrender or are taken as prisoners of wars.
No matter how strong or terrible the captors are, God is able to deliver and deliver safely. “He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.” (Psa 55:18 NIV).
Friends, are you suffering for what you didn’t know about; things done before you were born, at the time you were young or by your parents? Are you suffering for what you did or the relationship/association you got into in disobedience or in ignorance? Whichever, run to God, the only One who can rescue you alive and unharmed!

Prayer points
1. My Father and my God, the Almighty One, please, arise now to rescue me from my captivity, in Jesus’ name.
2. O Lord of hosts, urgently step into my case, and deliver me alive and unharmed, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. It doesn’t matter how mighty or terrible my captors are, the Almighty will deliver me alive and safely.
2. With the Almighty God, lawful and unlawful captives will be delivered alive and returned home safely.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng