“I press on.” I read those words and I picture some mountain man trudging through the snow and muck to reach his destination…maybe the soldier on the battlefield circumventing carnage and war-torn terrain as he marches across the valley to victory. Paul, too, was on a mission, but his was a spiritual war. Daily, he wielded the sword of the Gospel so that the world would know Jesus. But how does one “press on” when imprisoned? How do you move at all when you’re in chains?! And yet, the second greatest ministry apart from the teachings of Jesus Christ Himself was accomplished primarily through the words of a man held in bondage…imprisoned for the Gospel he taught, the souls he sought, the war he fought. I’ve heard the question asked: “Do you think Paul ever questioned his mission, his calling, petitioning the LORD with ‘Hey, God! How in the world do you expect me to do what you have asked of me while rotting away in this hole?! Well?!?!’” Paul states in Colossians 4:3 (TLB), “Don’t forget to pray for us too, that God will give us many chances to preach the Good News of Christ.” And ends it with (NLT), “That is why I am here in chains.” [WOW] Paul welcomed the trials and adversity that came with his Gospel mission. He even accepted that his imprisonment was all part of the plan…“God knows someone here needs to hear this Good News! That’s why I’m here in chains! Praise God!” ONE MAN, sitting in some dimly lit cell, chained and existing in what I can only imagine would have been pretty nasty conditions, but making every effort to change the world…whatever it took…ALL for the glory of the LORD. All that to say this: You! (yes, you...quit looking around) You, of sound body, mind, and spirit! (and no chains, I might add…just sayin’)... What have you done to GO, BAPTIZE, & TEACH today? What’s your excuse?
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 17:56:59 +0000
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