Bible In A Year | Read: 2 Peter 3
For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles–assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ . . . (Eph. 3:1-2)
Less Guilt, More Love
What wouldn’t you do for Jesus? Where wouldn’t you go? Jesus stopped at nothing– even giving up His life–to be obedient to His Father. And He gave this same command to us:
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me (John 12:26).
Not many of us are willing to risk persecution for Jesus’ sake, but Paul wrote Ephesians while under house arrest in Rome. In his words, I sense no attitude of self-pity or regret. Instead, his letters are filled with gratitude. Paul didn’t let his personal circumstances and environment divert his commitment to making the gospel clear for the sake of others.
In fact, he considered his task a gift of grace and part of God’s prearranged plan. No level of persecution could squelch his joy or stop him from doing what he knew the Lord had called him to do.
He also wrote a letter to the Philippians during this time in prison and encouraged them with these words: I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear (Phil. 1:12-14).
The Imperial Guard he references was made up of over 4,500 elite warriors. So not only did they hear about Jesus, believers were emboldened as well. Paul shows us that we can serve God wherever we are and in whatever circumstance because these external factors aren’t barriers to discipleship. In fact, they may just serve to advance the gospel.
Maybe you feel imprisoned by a situation–an illness, financial hardship, work environment or a difficult marriage. Maybe you doubt you can benefit others when your life is topsy-turvy. Jesus has something to say about that. And His promise is timeless: I will be with you wherever you go, even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20).
If you’re leading others, I encourage you to reach out in love to those in difficult situations. You probably know many people who feel forgotten. What an encouragement it is to know that God meets us in all our circumstances, even negative ones.
Thought For Today
Where wouldn’t you go for Jesus? Do any circumstances prevent you from serving?
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
Join us each morning as some C3ers discuss the daily readings from Made For More. Monday No Comments & Prison Rules.
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