Sin and death made you a prisoner—and there was no escape. Until, that is, God sent Jesus. He brought the keys that opened up your cell and set you free.

“The God who is in his holy dwelling place . . . leads prisoners out of prison into productive lives, but rebellious people must live in an unproductive land” (Psalm 68:5,6).

In San Francisco Bay, California, only 1.5 miles from shore, is the island of Alcatraz.

Though it has a rich history, Alcatraz is most famously known for its maximum-security prison. This cold, damp, harsh prison was the last stop for our nation’s most notorious criminals.

Throughout its history, thirty-six men (including two who tried to escape twice) were involved in fourteen separate escape attempts. Twenty-three were caught, six were shot and killed during their escape, and two drowned. Five are listed as missing or presumed drowned. Only 1.5 miles away from the shore, yet there are no recorded successful escape attempts.

Sin and death made you a prisoner—and there was no escape. Until, that is, God sent Jesus. He brought the keys that opened up your cell and set you free.

Now that you are free, your job is to talk to people who are still prisoners of sin, people who don’t know Jesus. Tell them about the freedom that Jesus offers.

“Thanks be to the Lord, who daily carries our burdens for us. God is our salvation. Our God is the God of victories. The Almighty Lord is our escape from death” (Psalm 68:19,20).