Remember My Chains

Daily Devotional – Saturday, November 26, 2023
Remember my chains.
Colossians 4:18 (NIV)

During an exercise to escort immediate former prisoners home, I realized just how important freedom is. I was sitting next to a man who had been in jail for twenty-three years. What touched me most, though, were his tears when he saw his hometown and village people. The man was overwhelmed with joy.

Do Not Forget My Bonds

While in prison, inmates also love visits from family, friends, and fellow believers. They are happy to know that those outside the prison walls have not forgotten them. One constant request I get from them is for those of us who are free to pray for them. Inmates fear that we will forget them and the hardships they are undergoing in jail.

I think that is partly what is going on in Paul’s mind as he writes the conclusion to his letter to the Colossians. He states, “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” (Colossians 4:18). For a moment, listen to the rattling of the chains as the man of God signs off this epistle.

Remember My Chains

He wants the Christians in Philippi to remember him in their prayers. Paul wants the assurance that his fellow believers care about him and appreciate why he should endure his trials as a child of God. He also wants the believers to learn from him and his sufferings about steadfastness in the faith.

Today, take a moment to remember those in prison because of their own sins or because of false accusations. Hear their voices imploring you, “Remember our chains.” Intercede for them before God. Visit and pray with them. Depending on the situation they are in, supply them with spiritual literature and material items that will make their life in prison bearable.

Prayer
Dear God, show me how I can attend to the needs of prisoners and empower me to act on their behalf.