Used by God, though in prison

By Rhiannonw

Sun, 24 Nov 2024
  • 218 reads
5 comments
 

[Continuing the hymn-for-Sundays series]

Imprisoned, the apostle could no longer go
out preaching the gospel for others to know.
Friends visited: guards saw their joy, their words heard.
and so through the palace was gossiped God’s Word.

‘So why is he shackled?’ – believers explained,
and so gospel news spread out more, unrestrained.
Paul knew God had placed him in gaol to fulfil
his purpose: he spoke, wrote with knowledge and skill,

While chained in that place Paul wrote letters to teach
young churches, not knowing they one day would reach
such millions of people, give help years ahead
throughout all the ages – even now they’re still read.

They help all God’s people to stand against lies,
and subtle temptations as Satan works, tries
to deflect from the truth and hope glorious secured –
salvation eternal that Jesus procured.

[John Bunyan imprisoned had time to compose
the story of Pilgrim as heavenward he goes..]
So people can think they are scuppering God’s plan,
but he’s in control, not sly Satan or man.

This is with particuar reference to Paul's house imprisonment in Rome recorded at the end of Acts, of which he wrote about in the beginning of his letter to the Philippian church.

Tune: 11 11 11  11 eg St Denio, tune of ‘Immortal, Invisible, God only wise’

http://rhiannonshymns.co.uk

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Comments

Submitted by Nolan on

It is a contradiction don't you think? I don't believe God wants us to be persecuted, imprisoned to suffer and be tortured. I think he wants us to be happy content and joyful, even here still on earth, is the ages old question?

Doesn't he instruct us, multiply and populate the earth?

The Allmighty, All Knowing. Yes, His will be done.

& Nolan

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Although he wants us to get on with the work he has set us to do on this earth, and be content, yes, he wants our happiness, yet while here and imperfect and needing to be trained, he wants us to grow in holiness most. We cannot expect to be perfectly happy until the new earth, heaven.

And while this earth continues, there will be persecution, and he helps his people through it, and, as in Paul's case here, often brings good out of the plans of those who oppose.

"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:3-5

"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10,11

" No servant is greater than his master. If they persecte me, they will persecute you also'" John 15:20

 

 

Submitted by Nolan on

I greatly appreciate your words of wisdom and the well thought through detailed advice of last week on moral pitfalls. The only logical solution then to the biblical dilemma, I can think of, is to marry as soon as is physically possible.

& Nolan

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Yes, that is very true, and if there has to be waiting, praying grace to help, and being wise in not putting temptation close until that day. May God help and guide you. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Nolan on

Thank you