I wanted to describe a place and situation and see what comes to mind. The place I am thinking about is surrounded by a fence with razor wire on top. The guards around the fence are armed and can shoot anyone who attempts to go through the fence. Those who are on the inside are not allowed to leave unless the authorities say it is OK. They are housed at no cost to themselves. They receive plenty of food. They are told what to wear and when they can wear it. They are also told how and when they can exercise. They are allowed certain magazines and programs but are not allowed to have alcohol and drugs, although some bring it in illegally. They are told that they are there for a certain time and can expect to be released at the end of their time, but sometimes due to circumstances, they are kept for longer periods. There are dangers to being in this place and many of the occupants are capable of killing. What does this sound like? Some might think what I am describing is a prison. It is actually a military base in a deployed location. The main difference is that the occupants of the military base have volunteered to be considered for such duty. In the case of the national guard and reservists, many have left jobs back home and come, setting aside many freedoms to serve their country.

I thought of the analogy to prison as I was considering the remarkable stories of the apostles in prison shortly after Christ’s resurrection. The apostle Peter was in prison twice and he was miraculously freed. The stories of his imprisonment and subsequent freedom are told in Acts Chapters 5 and 12. Angels came and opened the doors and Peter left. To me a more remarkable story is the story of Paul. His prison experience is described in Acts 16.
“After they had inflicted many blows on them, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to keep them securely guarded. Receiving such an order, he put them into the inner prison and secured their feet in stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose. When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison open, he drew his sword and was going to kill himself, since he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul called out in a loud voice, ‘Don’t harm yourself, because all of us are here!’ Then the jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he escorted them out and said, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household.’ Then they spoke the message of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house. He took them the same hour and washed their wounds. Right away he and all his family were baptized. He brought them up to his house, set a meal before them, and rejoiced because he had believed God with his entire household. When daylight came, the chief magistrates sent police to say, ‘Release those men!’” Acts 16:23-35

I find it very encouraging that Paul was given the opportunity to leave but remained because he knew he still had work to do. I wonder if I were kidnapped by the insurgents, and by a miraculous event was given the chance for freedom would I stay behind so the very testimony of my remaining would allow someone come to new faith in Christ. That is what Paul did. Paul remained so he could serve this man. What he served him was the Bread of Life.

I think about the military members especially the guardsmen and reservists who do not have to come but do so out of a willingness to serve. At any time they could resign, but chose to stay. They have entered the confinement of a deployed base in harms way and have purposely given up certain freedoms to risk their lives so others may see freedom and for those of us who have freedom to may remain free.

Further in Acts we read of what leads Paul on, “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:22-24

How many of us are like Paul and are willing to set aside our personal freedom, so others may have eternal life?

Solis Deo Gloria

More thought to come