I recently heard Bishop T.D. Jakes of the Potters House preach a sermon that caught my attention.
He reminded us that much of the Bible was written from a jail cell. I think his overall message had something to do with his prison outreach ministry, which I understand to be significant.
I was so struck, however, by the reality of God’s Word and direction coming from the deep faith of those imprisoned, that the concept has never left me.
What is it about being a believer, a walking, talking believer that somehow frightens those in power – so much so, that a jail cell is their answer? History suggests that professing one’s belief in Jesus Christ as Lord can literally be a death sentence.
The Bible teaches us that eventually our belief will be put to the ultimate test. Have you ever wondered why God’s teachings are so feared by those who believe in other religions?
I used to say Jesus’ message made so much sense that, even if He didn’t exist, we should invent Him. Now that I am saved, I guess you could say I know I’m a candidate for the
worst type of persecution.
My point, as I was caught by Bishop Jakes’ reference, is that I don’t view myself as a threat to anyone, based upon my belief in one God, the Holy Trinity and the truth of Jesus Christ.
But the world in which I live does view me in this manner. I suppose a larger issue ought to then be; have I done anything or said anything that should land me in jail?Â
Is jail where Sadducees and Pharisees want to send people like me?
If I have not said or done anything, then maybe I better get going, stir things up. In their day, the apostles, Paul and others were indeed looked upon as threats to the establishment. That meant governments and principalities, as well as the church hierarchy of that day.
If nothing else, I don’t think anyone would argue that on His worst day, Jesus was the quintessential revolutionary. It still amazes me how such principles of unconditional universal love for humankind got Him killed. And then it always hits me that this kind of philosophy will ultimately attack and undermine entrenched institutionalized power of all kinds, particularly political power. That is when I realized that, if you are a believer in Christ, you are most certainly a threat to some men and women.
Man craves power and Christianity abdicates all power to Jehovah. We stand as representatives of that truth and stand trial everyday with the world as our judge and jury. That explains that target on the backs of believers throughout history and should remind us all of the targets on our own backs.
All I can encourage you to do in the face of all this is to stay the course and know our defense attorney (Christ) is on His way. The prosecuting attorney loses this case. So, when you are alone in your jail cell remember, the war is over. You have already won. There are still battles to fight but the verdict is in. We win.
May God bless and keep you always.
