Isaiah 49:9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
The Servant, the Messiah, will say to the prisoners, “Go forth.” Jesus did just that. He came to set the prisoners free. This is a promise that applies to each believer. Jesus could and did say with authority, “You are free.” We have come out of the prison of Sin and Death; we are now righteous and alive. This declaration of the Servant resounds through all the ages and throughout the visible and invisible worlds. All created beings in heaven and earth and under the earth have heard the Proclamation: “You are no longer in prison; You are free!”
We take this promise to heart by faith every time we hear and remember the Gospel. Satan tries to put us back under the prison of Sin and Death. “Jesus canceled the record of debt that too against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. [Colossians 2:14]” By the authority of Jesus Christ, we proclaim our freedom. We assert that we are no longer in prison.
The Servant will say to those that are in darkness, “Show yourselves.” They may come out of darkness and into the light. This is what Jesus has called us from and to. Enjoy the freedom and light; live in the new place to which you were called. Jesus shouts to you and me: “Lazarus, come forth!”