12TH OCTOBER

RELIEF FOR PRISONERS

“I was in prison and you came to me.”

(Matthew 25:36)

                                         

In ancient times, the sole purpose of imprisonment was retribution – that is, punishment for crimes against society. However, in more modern societies the purpose includes deterrence, incapacitation and rehabilitation.

There are many prisons all over the world. All prisons are supposed to be reformatory centres but while some are, many others are not. In Nigeria, some in our prisons are “awaiting trial” and so have not been convicted. But haven’t we already judged them all as guilty, if they are in prison custody? Guilty or not guilty, God expects us to reach out in love to prisoners. Many are converted to Christianity in prison.

To be in prison must be very depressing, yet in no other place would you sometimes find so much enthusiasm and joy of Christian fellowship. If no one visited with the gospel, there would be no joy and no hope.

Apart from physical prisons, there are spiritual prisons. Some people are incarcerated in prisons of addiction, depression, doubt or sin. “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22).  The ultimate solution is faith in God, who loves us unconditionally.

We are called to visit with the gospel of Christ. Christ brings transformation and deliverance from bondage of any sort. Christ in us is the hope of glory; so the sufferings and bondages of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

He, who the Son sets free, is free indeed! (John 8:36).

ACTION: Sow the seed of a visit or a call to someone.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, help me to use my freedom for acts of love towards those that are bound.