Whose Prisoner?
Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles
1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
Bee's Thoughts:
Last night, my 'bf' said I shouldn't think of myself as being so unworthy or small in my "devotion". However, I really feel that way and always thanking God for saving me and making me His precious child.
At times, we have become the 'prisoner' of the people we can't forgive, or the past we can't forget, or the future we are fearful about.
Was I the 'prisoner' of my bad childhood experiences too? Perhaps I was last time when I allowed them to make me feel sad. I don't feel much about it these days after my mum's demise. I hope I can become the 'prisoner' of Christ instead.
Dear Lord,
Guard my heart, thoughts, feelings and wants.
Let me be your 'prisoner' instead of mine own.
All that I have and want I place in Your hand.
Show me Your ways and Your plans.
Help me see and understand them.
Keep me strong and not look back at what I cannot change or the things that can't turn back.
My prayer to You in Jesus' name. Amen.
Tommy's Thoughts:
Most of us tend to avoid any situation that may leads to unnecessary misunderstanding, conflict or confrontation to others. Because of this, we can easily brush-off any opportunities to tell others about Christ. We try to conform and compromise, fearing others will reject, ridicule, confront and challenge our belief system.
In verse 7, Paul mentioned that when he became a servant of the gospel, God gave him the ability to boldly and effectively share the gospel of Christ. Although we may not be an apostle or even an evangelist, God will give us opportunities to tell others about Christ.
Whenever an opportunity comes, we should make ourselves available to God as His servant, and He will provide us with the ability, courage and power to communicate effectively for Him. As we focus on the other person and his/her needs, God will enable us to do it in a caring and loving attitude. Instead of being confrontational and judgmental, our words and action will be genuinely natural, loving and compelling.
Dear Father, I acknowledge that I am “less than the least of all Your people”(v8), that is, without You and Your help, I will never be able to do any of Your work. But because You choose me to share the gospel and supply me with the power, I am now able to do my part and faithfully perform the special role You has called me to play in Your plan. I pray that You will keep me aware always of any opportunities to share the gospel of Christ to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
