February 7, 2013 - Acts 28:20

            “’For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you.  It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.’”  Acts 28:20.

            While under house arrest in Rome, Paul called together all the Jewish leaders to tell them his story of how he came to be under arrest and in Rome.  In giving his explanation, Paul told them the reason he is “bound with this chain.”  He explained that the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem objected to Paul’s proclamation of Jesus as Lord and raised such a riotous uproar that Paul, as a Roman citizen, was compelled to appeal to Caesar for his imperial judgment.  He submitted himself to be bound as a prisoner, even though he was considered innocent of any crime.  There was a higher purpose that God alllowed in having Paul bound and transported to Rome, and Paul did not allow his chains to bind him up from proclaiming this purpose to anyone who would listen.

            In reflecting on this, I asked myself the questions, “What is it that has me in chains, and does it keep me or restrict me from proclaiming Jesus in and through my life?”  I realized that the pain condition that I deal with is a constant reminder of a potential chain that could restrict me.  I could very easily view myself as being a prisoner – a captive to this condition.  Yet, I have chosen to use this situation in my life to allow God’s grace to flow in and through me.  It is a constant on-going struggle, similar, I’d imagine, to being locked up under house arrest.  Like Paul, the attempt in my daily life is to not allow the pain – my imprisonment – to keep me from proclaiming Jesus in and through me.

            Questions to consider: Is there anything in your life that is like a chain that restricts you from proclaiming Jesus in and through you?  What is it and how does it restrict you?  What can be done to break free from those chains?

            Prayer: Father, I realize that I have limitations – chains – in my life that try to keep me from fully living my life in You.  Please give me strength to choose to use these limitations to allow Your grace to flow through me.  Amen.