Imprisoned, yet free
I'm not sure how many remember the story of Saeed Abedini. Pastor Saeed was arrested and imprisoned because he is a Christian. The country of Iran saw fit that he was a threat to their country because of his faith in Jesus. The man was going to open an orphanage. It's not as if he was standing on the steps of the capital with guns-a-blazin' trying to start a revolution. We that live in the "land of the free" can not even come close to wrapping our minds around such a thing. But here's what the Lord shared with me regarding this story.
People here in the US and around the world were posting on social media and hash tagging #SaveSaeed and #FreeSaeed. All this effort to bring attention to Pastor Saeed's imprisonment is a great thing. To see thousands of people hash tagging all day long can be encouraging. Did we want Saeed's release because we felt as if an injustice has been done? Did we want him home to return to a life of peace and freedom in America? Why were we calling for his release? What was the purpose of our prayers?
I read the following that almost brought me to tears.
"Liberty does not mean doing as you like, it means liking as you ought, and doing that. He only is free who submits to God in Christ, and thereby overcomes himself and the world and all antagonism, and is able to do that which it is his life to do...they are free men who say, 'Lord, put Thy shackles on my arms, and impose Thy will upon my will, and fill my heart with Thy love; and then will and hands will move freely and delightedly.' 'If the Son makes you free, ye shall be free indeed.'" (Alexander Maclaren)
God's word speaks very clear. "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13) Why are we surprised when Christians are persecuted, imprisoned, beaten, and killed? Because we live in America. We have allowed ourselves to become blind and deaf to the suffering of the persecuted church around the world. When we hear of these stories, we feel upset. We're saddened. Even sometimes we get angry enough to tweet about it. What did Paul and Silas do when they were imprisoned? They rejoiced! They sang praises to their heavenly Father. In so doing, the jailer was brought to salvation, he and his family.
I want this faith. I desire this boldness. I want so badly, upon standing in front of God Almighty, to hear Him say, "Well done." I can't imagine He would look down upon me and proclaim to the heavens, "Well tweeted! Enter into your rest." Every one of us who claim to be born again need this fire. We need the tenacity of Paul and Silas. We need the boldness and faith to truly go in to all the world and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ!
I call upon us to move forward from here on out with this in mind: #FreeMe and #SaveMe to do Your will, both here and there. Lord, place Your shackles of freedom upon me so that I may become a prisoner to Your righteousness. I want to be held captive to Your will. Open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to what You want me to do, and where You need me to go. In the same manner as Paul when he was stoned and dragged out of the city. Not yet dead, he picks himself up and marches right back in to the city (Acts 14:19-23). Excuse me death, I got a job to do!
