“The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon because they were unfaithful to the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 9:1b
This chapter begins with a reminder as to why Israel was taken captive in the first place – their unfaithfulness to the Lord. This also acts as a reminder for us when we feel that we’ve been taken captive – our unfaithfulness to the Lord.
When we obey God and His decrees, we experience freedom. Freedom from sin, freedom from guilt, freedom from shame, freedom from failure, freedom from disappointment, and the list of freedoms continue. It’s when we think that we know best and choose to follow our own desires, that we actually end up feeling restrained and taken into captivity.
A reassuring fact is that just as Israel was brought back from exile, we too, have the same opportunity. It doesn’t matter how unfaithful we have been, or what we’ve done, we are always only one step away from returning to our Father – repentance. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Now that’s freedom!
Lock Your Wings 
That same verse stood out for me because it connects to today’s verse of the day: “Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”
Amos 5:24 NLT
There are consequences for not living in righteousness and following God’s commands. Thankfully we are always just one step away from God no matter how far we’ve strayed.
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