“Paul in Prison”, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Many of the heroes of the Bible suffered trials and hardships for God. Hebrews 11 tells us about Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others who dared lived by faith.  It wasn’t always pretty: “…Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death; they were sawn in two; they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented…”(35-37). Don’t forget Joseph, John the Baptizer, Peter and John – they all spent time behind bars. And of course there was Paul, “an ambassador in chains” (Ephesians 6.20) with his stints in the cooler. 

Jails and penitentiary’s are not places most of us are familiar with, but that doesn’t mean that many are not experiencing imprisonment. We do not have to be behind bars to be in jail. There are some who live in a prison of despair or hopelessness. Still others are held captive in prisons of fear, bitterness, or low self-esteem. Maybe it is the prison of an addiction or habit that we cannot control. As Peter said, “…for people are slaves to whatever masters them” (2 Peter 2.19).

If you are trapped in a dark, spiritual prison today, try to understand a difficult fact – you may very well be your own jailer. Harsh, yes, but words that I offer in love. The message of the gospel is that you do not have to serve a life sentence in a dismal 6×9 cell. You have the key that will unlock the prison door and let you live in the light of freedom if you are willing to trust that Jesus can save you. Jesus is the light and the truth and the truth will set you free: “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8.36). Your release into new, triumphant life in Christ begins the moment you invite Him into your heart and surrender to His control. The Spirit of the Lord will liberate you from the oppression of sin and deliver you to unfettered love, joy, peace, and power. The length of time you spend in jail is up to you. If you are tired of the constraints of prison life, pray today, “Lord, make me a captive of yours, and then I shall be truly free.”

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3.17, NRSVUE