Paul’s joy while in chains is evident. Why is he joyful? Because the message about Jesus is getting out. People are hearing, believing, following and telling. He doesn’t even care why people are sharing, he’s just glad they are sharing. Selfish ambition or not, sharing about Jesus is what we are called to do.
There is some controversy over where (and when) Paul is imprisoned. I suppose the why even comes into play. We know Paul was bold in his faith and it sometimes landed him in jail. Thankfully we don’t have such fear and consequence, most of us anyway. What is important for us to take away is that Paul downplays his struggles and sometimes even seems to be thankful for them. Why? Because they are the result of the gospel being heard. The good news of Jesus is not to be kept to ourselves. We need to stop focusing our own struggles, for they are temporary, and look to the greater good, to our calling to make disciples.
So what chains are you in at the moment? Are you stuck in a job with long hours? Do you have one commitment after another that is keeping you from serving Christ? Are you using these as excuses saying that “one day, when things calm down…”. I hope not. The time is now to be opening your mouth and sharing. The time is now to intentionally find time to spend with your best friend, Jesus. What if “one day” never comes?
Think about what Jesus has done for you, for all of us. He left his heavenly throne of grace to come into this broken world. He encountered people who didn’t understand him, who were expecting a war giant to bring peace. He was beaten and killed, with God-fearing people looking on, and he did it all for us. Because he was also God, he could not stay dead, and he rose to life. Jesus’ mission was to take all of our sins to the cross for one sacrifice for all. The law changed and a new promise was born.
Our end of the promise is to share the good news. Paul didn’t let his circumstances stop him, and neither should we.
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for the peace that washes over me when I remember your promise. You will never leave us or forsake us. Your power lives within us so we are never alone. Your great sacrifice for me leave me awestruck and overflowing with joy. I want others to know this joy, just like Paul did. While I’m not bound by physical chains, I have placed boundaries around me and built up walls of protection due to hurt and insecurity. Lord, help me to knock those down once and for all. Help me to stand tall and boldly, like Paul, profess my faith in and allegiance to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
