A Prisoner of Christ Jesus

A Prisoner of Christ Jesus

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon 1 NIV

It is a peculiar title to me, "Prisoner of Christ". In our modern times some may refer to themselves as a "follower" or even a "worker" of Christ. Some may go as far as to boast of keeping the commands of Christ. But I never hear the word "prisoner" as a reference point in their relationship to Christ. I have no idea if Paul was simply joking and using a play on words (after all, he was writing this letter while in prison) or if there was a more profound meaning. Nonetheless, the phrase calls our attention to the extreme commitment Paul had to Jesus.

I imagine the idea of being held captive by Christ is an uncomfortable thought. And I know that you probably want to remind me that the scripture says that we have our liberty in Christ (Galatians 5:1). I know that we are called friends because we know God's plans, that is, we have been brought into His confidence (John 15:15). But don't you wonder if freedom and confidence are merely stepping stones to a higher (or at least different) path in following Christ? Maybe, the freedom and confidence we have in Christ are precursors that give us the courage and determination to willingly wear the chains that will advance the Gospel. Or as Paul said it in Philippians 1:14, "Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly".

When you think about relinquishing freedoms for the advancement of God's Kingdom, you should be reminded of Christ. Jesus took on the confines of humanity and the chains of sin (though he never sinned) so that we have the chance and right to become adopted children of God. It is a hard thing to willingly give up our freedom in order to fulfill God's purpose. It is a very hard thing if you find yourself stripped of the most basic of human rights, for Christ. And to this, Jesus would say that if you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will preserve it (Luke 17:33).