MY PRISON -- MY PALACE

Philippians 1:12-18
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Samuel Rutherford, a pastor and theologian, lived in the 17th century. Raised on a farm in Scotland, Rutherford showed unusual spiritual sensitivity and insight even in the early years of his life. Having a keen intellect, he became a professor of Latin literature at Edinburgh University.

Later, he was ordained and had a fruitful ministry until he was removed from office and placed in the prison at Aberdeen. His crime? He was guilty of what was called "nonconformity"--not accepting the doctrines and practices of the state church. Samuel Rutherford was a man of faith driven by conscience.

During his imprisonment, Rutherford wrote 65 "Letters" that contained such depth of spiritual insight that they are considered devotional classics. Here is one condensed excerpt that reflects his view of being imprisoned for the faith: "Let prison be my palace; in solitude I walk with God. If contemplation will in solitude raise me to Heaven, it shall reconcile me unto solitude, and make it my Paradise on Earth."

What was going on in that prison cell that produced such enduring written words of hope? The answer lies in the grace of God. To Rutherford, the joy and peace of the Holy Spirit were more real to him than the barred cell that held him.

Centuries earlier, the apostle Paul wrote of a similar imprisonment for his faith. It too carries with it an optimistic view that God was positively at work in the apostle's confinement: "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ" (Philippians 1:12-13).

Sometimes we can feel that our circumstances are a "ball and chain."We feel trapped. But when we see God in the bigger picture, we can have a very different view of how He's using these circumstances in our lives. --Dennis Fisher

DESTINATION POINTS

* Do I feel trapped in unwanted circumstances?
* What open doors has God left for me in my situation?
* How can I learn to see my prison as a palace?

LINKS:
Life Sentence
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/ 2000/003/3.32.html

bottom line: God can make a prison palatial.

soul journey