Hebrews 1:12-2:4
O LORD, you have marked him for judgment,
O Rock, you have readied him punishment!
Too pure are your eyes to look upon evil,
and the sight of misery you cannot endure.
Why, then, do you gaze on the faithless in silence while the wicked man devours
one more just than himself?
O Rock, you have readied him punishment!
Too pure are your eyes to look upon evil,
and the sight of misery you cannot endure.
Why, then, do you gaze on the faithless in silence while the wicked man devours
one more just than himself?
I've been watching the popular Netflix show Orange is the New a Black. It's considered a comedy drama, but I find it more of a dark comedy. The foul language and sexual situations doesn't make for a very comfortable viewing experience. However, the show does give an interesting viewpoint of life in a women's federal prison. Each episode gives the background story of one of the inmates. Watching this show is a stern reminder of how really terrible prison life can be. It's filthy and dangerous. It's not fair. It's racially polarized. It's something nobody wants to experience. Yet, many people commit crimes repeatedly. They are in and out of prison most of their lives. They can't seem to find a way out of the cycle of incarceration.
Conversions can take place in prisons. Inmates begin to read the bible and attend Sunday worship services. They sincerely regret the crimes they committed, seeking reconciliation and healing. If they do get out of prison, they change their lives for the better. Their former way of life is exchanged for a life focused on Christ.
We may be law-obeying citizens never stepping foot inside the walls of a prison cell. However, our inner life feels like a prison. Maybe we experience chronic pain, abusing pain killers. Maybe we are addicted to pornography. Maybe we are abused emotionally, physically or sexually. Maybe we live all alone with nobody to visit us. Everybody around us appears to be happy and blessed abundantly. Why can't I be like my neighbor with no health issues? Why can't I be like my coworker who has a family? Why do I have such rotten luck?
Our Lord never promised us an easy life. But, he did give us the greatest, most effective tool to help us out in our struggles and hardships: His own flesh and blood! When we lift up our chronic pain, our addictions, and our emotional problems up to the Lord in prayer, it's amazing how things will change.
I recently read that we should bear our sufferings patiently. Suffer on behalf of someone else's needs. So many times we selfishly believe our problems are dreadful compared to others when in fact our problems are actually blessings in disguise. I've had a run in with some health problems and car issues. These were so minor compared to stories from friends and acquaintances. One couple filed for bankruptcy. Another is filing for divorce. Two people have passed away. Another person has been diagnosed with a degenerative disease. When I begin to throw myself a pity-me-party because I have a boring job and a long commute, I pray for others. It instantly makes me feel a lot better with whatever situation I may face.
God gives us a choice: We can keep living a life of selfishness and sin, or we can choose a life of love, hope and charity. Let us not stay trapped in our own prison cells. God gives us the key to unlock the cell gate. All we have to do is open it and experience freedom. The former way of life is in the past as we look forward to a blessed future with Jesus!
-J.
Conversions can take place in prisons. Inmates begin to read the bible and attend Sunday worship services. They sincerely regret the crimes they committed, seeking reconciliation and healing. If they do get out of prison, they change their lives for the better. Their former way of life is exchanged for a life focused on Christ.
We may be law-obeying citizens never stepping foot inside the walls of a prison cell. However, our inner life feels like a prison. Maybe we experience chronic pain, abusing pain killers. Maybe we are addicted to pornography. Maybe we are abused emotionally, physically or sexually. Maybe we live all alone with nobody to visit us. Everybody around us appears to be happy and blessed abundantly. Why can't I be like my neighbor with no health issues? Why can't I be like my coworker who has a family? Why do I have such rotten luck?
Our Lord never promised us an easy life. But, he did give us the greatest, most effective tool to help us out in our struggles and hardships: His own flesh and blood! When we lift up our chronic pain, our addictions, and our emotional problems up to the Lord in prayer, it's amazing how things will change.
I recently read that we should bear our sufferings patiently. Suffer on behalf of someone else's needs. So many times we selfishly believe our problems are dreadful compared to others when in fact our problems are actually blessings in disguise. I've had a run in with some health problems and car issues. These were so minor compared to stories from friends and acquaintances. One couple filed for bankruptcy. Another is filing for divorce. Two people have passed away. Another person has been diagnosed with a degenerative disease. When I begin to throw myself a pity-me-party because I have a boring job and a long commute, I pray for others. It instantly makes me feel a lot better with whatever situation I may face.
God gives us a choice: We can keep living a life of selfishness and sin, or we can choose a life of love, hope and charity. Let us not stay trapped in our own prison cells. God gives us the key to unlock the cell gate. All we have to do is open it and experience freedom. The former way of life is in the past as we look forward to a blessed future with Jesus!
-J.
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