God's Word Is Not Chained

“This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:8b-10)

Have you ever had the chance to go to a zoo? It’s amazing to be so close to God’s powerful creatures: lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants… Yet, it’s also a little sad. Sad to see such powerful creatures in cages.

That's what we do. Not with lions, bears, and tigers. That's what we often do with God's Word. We take this powerful blessing from God and keep it caged up. We keep it to ourselves. Or we let it sit inside a book on the shelf that we rarely open. We are blessed to have God's Word so close to us, but we often keep it chained up. Do we read it? Do we share it? Why do we hesitate to let it out?

The Apostle Paul knew about chains. As he wrote 2 Timothy, he was chained in a prison. So it’s startling to read what he wrote about God’s Word: "God's word is not chained" (2 Timothy 2:9). Isn't that an awesome statement? Paul was chained up, but God’s Word wasn’t chained. Nothing can keep God's Word from doing its work. Not persecution. Not unbelief. Not even our own doubts and timidness. God's Word is at work all over the world and in your own heart, convincing you of God's love and care for you in Jesus. It doesn't matter what's going on around the world, God's Word is not chained!

That led someone to tell this riddle: "How do you defend a lion?” Do you know the answer? You let him out of his cage! What's the best way to defend God? Let him and his Word out! When that loved one is in the hospital, remind her: "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). When heartache comes into your life, tell yourself Jesus' words: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Find one person today who needs Jesus' love and let God's Word out of its cage. God's Word is not chained!

Dear Lord, no matter what people do to stop you and your Church, your Word can never be chained. Work in our hearts with your Word today and give us opportunities to encourage others too. Amen.

Pastor Nathan