Prisoner of Christ

1 When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles  . . .2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles.

Ephesians 3:1-2 (NLT)

Yesterday we looked at Paul writing to the Roman church offering encouragement and instruction as to how they should live and it dawned on me; Paul finally went to Rome, but he went as a prisoner. Now Rome thought he was their prisoner; but in reality he was a prisoner to God and was serving out his sentence in service to Jesus Christ. In my own life I have been a prisoner I have never actually served time in Jail or anything but I have been a prisoner to debt, pornography and alcohol these things all had control of my life in one sense or another. Today I am still a prisoner but not to any of those I now am a prisoner of Jesus Christ. The funny thing in this prison I am given freedom some might call it a work release program. I am under His authority just like every other Christian that calls His name. The prison is this world I am sentenced to live here until He calls me Home and truly sets me free, but in the meantime I am to work and be about His business. We are called to tell others about Christ from the day of our salvation till He calls us home to be with Him in heaven. People we have work to do. The problem is our churches are a lot like our actual jails now. We come in and sit down waiting on others to take care of us and not putting forth any effort to improve ourselves or those around us. As long as I am taken care of why should I do anything, I know that is hard yet it’s the truth. Too many Christians are not dedicated enough to the call of Jesus in their lives to really make any changes let alone sacrifice for Jesus. We are comfortable and are just trying to serve out our time till He calls us home. Will it not be a shame if on judgment day He looks at you and says depart from me you never knew me. I want you to understand you as a born again Christian are a servant, prisoner or slave to Jesus once you accepted Him as your Lord and savior. However you call it you are no longer yours you belong to Him and we should be about His business.  Once again I challenge you as we start a New Year to resolve to live a life worthy of the sacrifice Jesus gave for you. Have a Blessed day as you walk in the Light of His Word.