6. Paul’s Imprisonment

Locked Down but Not Out

Reflections on Grace when facing  Dark Times. 

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

How often have we sung the hymn

“My chains fell off my heart was free”

Yet failed to know its deeper core.

How Paul and Silas, in cell grim

Their freedom lost, how could they  plea

But sing and  praise their dear Saviour.

Their crime, inditement, and the charge

Was that they witnessed to a peace

Of Christ’s redeeming life outpoured.

Yet on that night earth shook at large

As tremor opened door, release

Their captivity, escape afford.

But in the turmoil Paul firm stood

And quelled the jailers deepest fear

Who thought that he would take the blame -

What penalty the cost, what could

He do his own life now to clear,

And save his family’s honoured name.

The bible narrative relates

The jailer asked how to be saved

“Believe the Lord in Jesus take

Your Saviour here for you he waits.”

And so the turnkey saved from grave

With all his family awake.

Lord, when locked down, entrapped by fear,

Help me to hear, to sing once more

“My chains fell off my heart is free:”

Help me to “rise and follow thee!”

And as I see you there adore

Emboldened stoop, and bow my knee.