Hebrews 2:14–15 (CSB)
Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.
Have you ever fallen victim to clickbait? You know—those sensational headlines or eye-catching images that promise something interesting, hilarious, or incredible. But when you click on it, you get your expectations crushed because it's nothing like what you expected. You just wasted your time on something that made you feel gullible for falling into its trap.
In our digital age, clickbait is the art of false advertising, designed to get you to click on a video or an article. We all know that for social media influencers, the more clicks they get on a post, the more money they earn—so it's all about the "click." So let's be honest, our lives are filled with “clickbait,” situations and promises that offer us one thing, but deliver something entirely different.
Isn't it ironic how our flesh is always drawn to the things that offer pleasure, happiness, or some form of satisfaction? Then oftentimes whenever we step into the "clickbait," the promise of happiness flips into a harsh reality of pain and brokenness. It's like being lured into an evil “Haunted House,” a place that is teeming with promises, but only delivers fear and heartache.
The Multiple Doors of Temptation
Now picture this massive “Haunted House” with smiling, happy people outside, spinning signs towards the front door, beckoning you to enter with promises of pleasure, fun, and satisfaction. Let's call it "The House of Clickbait." However, once you step through the front doors, they lock behind you, and suddenly, you find yourself trapped. “Jesus responded, ‘Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin’” (John 8:34, CSB).
The Doors You Can’t Unlock
The tragedy of “The House of Clickbait” is that the more you sin the more ensnared you become. With each sin, you pass through another door that slams shut and locks behind you. Like a never-ending maze, you will finally reach the point where you're totally lost, with no idea of how to escape. Most people believe they can somehow “behave” their way out or find a “life hack” to beat the system. But the Scripture is clear: “Truly no man can ransom another or give to God the price of his life” (Psalm 49:7, ESV).
The Chain Breaker
We need someone who can come in and break down all the doors and set us free. Someone who is stronger and more powerful than the deceiver who constructed "The House of Clickbait." We need a deliverer. And that's exactly who Jesus is, and that's exactly what He does. He came into this world as the Son of God, to set the captives free. He broke down all the doors of sin and says, “Follow me, and I will lead you to freedom.” “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36, ESV).
If you find yourself trapped in the bondage of sin, know that there is One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6), and His name is Jesus. He has come so that you may live a life of Kingdom fulfillment (John 10:10). Dear reader, choose to follow the One who holds the keys to eternal life and freedom. Since salvation has come through Him, follow Jesus out of the bondage of sin into the freedom He offers—and never look back.