In the Jewish Quarter of Toledo is a magnificent building, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, whose construction began in 1477. It is a mixture of flamboyant Gothic styles and Islamic elements, a delicate balance of art native to this particular epoch and region of Spain. However, what is recognizably universal hangs high on the thick exterior walls. Iron chains and shackles.
“No other country was contested between Muslims and Christians as bitterly as was Spain,” states Professor Nazeer Ahmed, Islamic Historian. The inhabitants of this land fought one another to cultural exhaustion. It was a 700-year struggle marked by bloodshed, mayhem, destruction, and captivity. In 1492, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand marked the end of this tumultuous time, known as the Reconquista, by celebrating the fall of the last Muslim stronghold in the South of Spain. Christian prisoners held captive in Granada began to make their way north to Toledo, to thank Queen Isabella, where she triumphantly hung their Moorish chains of their captivity from the walls of this ornate Christian monastery.
That same year of 1492, Queen Isabella had approved Christopher Columbus’ expedition across the blue Atlantic in search of wealth and trade. But back home, the rising Spanish Empire had entered another period of history. The Expulsion. The Christian monarchs and clergy had hundreds of thousands of Jews and Muslims expelled from newly unified Spain. If you were not Christian and wished to remain, your only option was to convert to the Catholic faith and live under political bondage and suspicion for generations. It seems that the kingdoms of man will always have a need for shackles and chains.
What does scripture say about the Kingdom of God?
Darius the Great, who ruled the Persian Empire at its territorial peak, from the borders of Greece to India, from the coasts of the Black Sea, across the Mediterranean Sea, to the coasts of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, had this to say:
“I hereby decree that in every part of my Kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His Kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end.” (Daniel 6:26)
We will enter this eternal Kingdom when we search for it with all our heart.
“‘I will be found by you,’ says the Lord. ‘I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.’” (Jeremiah 29:14) “Soon all your captives will be released! Imprisonment, starvation, and death will not be your fate!” (Isaiah 51;14)
Jesus Christ, our Savior, explains to the rulers sitting in power. “But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.” (Luke 11:20). “… I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.” (Matthew 21:31)
At IMM, every team member is very familiar with the following words,
“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring the Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.” (Luke 4:18)
Jesus came to remove our shackles and chains for all eternity. There will be no demons, no bondage, no homelessness, no oppression. No chains, only freedom.
There are more people held in bondage at this time in history than in all the ages of man combined. Prisoners of conscience, political prisoners, religious prisoners… physical captivity is still a reality across the world. Outside of physical captivity, we are slaves to sin, slaves to addiction, slaves to pain. Where is the hope?
“How are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?” (Romans 10:14) “… Jesus told them ‘I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.’” (Luke 4:43)
By the Holy Spirit’s power alone is the Gospel proclaimed into the dark corners and closed nations of this age. At IMM we use the media tools God has given His church to share this Good News across borders. Our partners broadcast these IMM creations via internet and satellite to reach into lands where no missionary is welcome, and anyone preaching the Gospel is in mortal danger. But Jesus will build His church “… and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
“Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his wrists.” (Acts 12:7)