Remember my chains.
Summary: When Paul asks us to remember his chains, he has something very specific in mind. When we realize what it is, we discover the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.
As we come to the end of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he asks one last thing: “Remember my chains.”
Why?
Why does Paul want us to remember his chains?
Since we can’t ask Paul until we meet him in heaven, we have to guess. So, let’s give it a try. One reason might be that Paul wants us to remember that being a Christian is not a cakewalk.
That sounds a bit weird when we consider all the glowing things Paul has to say about knowing Jesus Christ and receiving his offer of salvation. However, when we think about what Paul has gone through during his life, we start to understand his point of view.
Paul started out life as a free man. He was born a Roman citizen (Acts 22:28) which gave him special rights and privileges. He was trained as a Pharisee (Philippians 3:4-6), which gave him special status and assured him of a bright future.
From a human perspective, Paul had it all. Then he met Jesus (Acts 9:1-19).
After meeting Jesus, Paul’s perspective changed.
Suddenly, after encountering the risen Christ, Paul’s priorities shifted. Instead of his rights as a Roman citizen being important, he wanted to be a citizen of heaven. Instead of the privilege of being a Pharisee, he wanted to honor Jesus.
Nothing else mattered to Paul.
Instead of human praise, he was flogged. In place of honors, he was beaten with rods. In every instance, Paul had given up any hope of a “bright future” in human terms. In its place, he had allowed himself to be stoned, shipwrecked, in danger from man and animals (2 Corinthians 11:21-29).
The things normal people care about no longer mattered to Paul. So when he ended up in chains because he was promoting the Gospel, he wasn’t surprised or worried.
What he was concerned about was Jesus. He was completely focused on finishing the work Jesus had assigned to him (Acts 20: 24).
The only thing that mattered was Jesus.
Paul wants the same thing for us (Acts 26:29). He wants us to remember the chains because the chains mean nothing. Jesus is everything.
Application: Jesus is everything.
Food for Thought: What can we do to help ourselves stay focused on what Jesus wants instead of ourselves?
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What can we do to help ourselves stay focused on what Jesus wants instead of ourselves?
Make Him the priority in our thoughts and deeds by simply offering them up to Him in the moments. Make Him the priority in our thoughts and deeds by spending time alone with Him in prayer before embarking into the world. Make Him the priority in our thoughts and deeds by spending time in prayer with Him before we end the day.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Share your life with Him; give Him your “inner dialogue.” Talk to Him, instead of talking to ourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Look for needs in others. Keep the heart open to the kind of compassion Christ has for us.
Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Proverbs 11:24-25 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Wow, Chris!
Thank you. Great suggestions, especially, “Talk to Him, instead of talking to ourselves.” So simple, and yet so wise!
Well Done Chris!!
What can we do to help ourselves stay focused on what Jesus wants instead of ourselves.
God has given us life as spiritual beings confined within physical bodies which put each at war with ourselves.
An Indian legend spoke of this duality of man creating a war within each person. When the wise man was asked which one would win, the wise man replied, “The one you feed!“
In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus teaches victory over sin is a life of daily, moment by moment choices made within the priorities we have established for our lives.
Living our lives according to verses 6:33-34 provides our answer.
33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. AMP
Thank you, Ron!
I appreciate the Indian wisdom! So true!
I also appreciate the pointer to Matt 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Seeking his kingdom and righteousness keeps our focus on Jesus.
Thank you for the devotion and great comments.
In my simplicity I would say that to keep focused on what Jesus wants we need to keep focused on Him rather than ourselves or the world or anything else. We need to fix our eyes on Jesus. But I think that has already been said better than how I just said it.
Hebrews 12: 1 – 2: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Thank you, Rich!
The simple approach is often the most elegant. Well said! 🙂