I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. (Colossians 4:18)
I will often skim through the introductory and concluding remarks in the the epistles. This is merely the garnish on top of the more substantial meal of the letter. Isn't it? But then a three word phrase in the last sentence of Paul's letter to the Colossians smacks me between the eyes; 'Remember my Chains.' To add more poignancy to the plea, Paul writes it with his own hand, not that of a trusted scribe.
It is easy for me to forget that the manger in which Christianity was born was one of suffering and persecution, both religious and political. The early church was a marginal movement, one pogrom away from obliteration. Sandwhiched between the paganism of Gre-Roman culture and the legalism of much of Jewish culture, the Christian movement was always under threat and its leaders always at risk of imprisonment, torture and death. For many, violent death was faith's reward.
To my shame, I forget that my Christian heritage was forged in the chains of leaders like Paul and Peter and John and Polycarp and other martyrs for the faith. To my shame, I forget that across the world today - in places like Iran and Iraq, Yemen and Sudan, China and North Korea - millions of Christians suffer persecution and ridicule, even death, for their faith. Many languish in chains. I must not, we cannot fail to remember their chains.
Sod Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters who suffer for your Name's sake. Strengthen their resolve and encourage their spirits I pray. Assist me to always remember their chains.
Comments