The Liberty of Chains

From: The Christian Shepherd: 2003 By: W.M. Warr

Matthew 27:2 • 1 min. read • grade level: 7

“When they had bound Him, they led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor” (Matt. 27:2²And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. (Matthew 27:2)).

Chains mean nothing to a submissive man; he needs no restraint and is not daunted by obstacles. The bonds of the Lord Jesus could have been torn apart as those of Samson (Judg. 15:14¹⁴And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands. (Judges 15:14)), reduced to ashes as those of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego (Dan. 3:25²⁵He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. (Daniel 3:25)), or fallen off as those of Peter or Paul and Silas (Acts 12:7; 16:26⁷And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. (Acts 12:7)
²⁶And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. (Acts 16:26)). The will of His Father was our Lord’s “bonds.” “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34³⁴Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (John 4:34)).

The Apostle Paul in prison exhibits the spirit of Christ when he says, “I can do all things” in spite of the chains that bound him (Phil. 4:13¹³I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)). If his guard had heard him saying those words, he might well have laughingly retorted, “Then why don’t you just throw off these prison chains and walk away?” Can we not hear Paul responding, “God hasn’t told me to do that.”

Paul well knew that his bonds were no hindrance to God. He could remember the earthquake that night in the prison in Philippi when “everyone’s bands were loosed.” He and Silas had sat there quietly, free yet submissive. How perfect are all our circumstances before Him “with whom we have to do.” He “careth for” us.

Happy, peaceful path following the Saviour in submissive confidence. May He give it to be our portion by grace, each in the chains His love has provided.

W. M. Warr (adapted)

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