“When they had bound Him, they led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor” (Matt. 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. 15:14), reduced to ashes as those of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego (Dan. 3:25), or fallen off as those of Peter or Paul and Silas (Acts 12:7; 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 4:34).
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. 4:13). 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)