June 27, 2001

Reading: 2 Tim: 2:1-15

 

“The word of God is not chained” (9).

 

What a glorious declaration by Paul! This statement is preceded by the word “but” which directs our attention to the statement prior: “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained” (2 Tim 2:8-9).

Paul’s physical activity was limited because of the chains around his hands and feet, but he took great comfort and encouragement in the truth that the word of God is not limited because of his limitations.

This scripture really spoke to my heart when the Lord brought it before my eyes. It does not matter how limited I may be, physically, financially or locationally, when the word of God goes out, it is without limitation! “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days” (Eccl: 11:1). It will accomplish that which God desires. Every week these “Thoughts From The Word” go into all the world and I sometimes wonder if it is a waste of time and whether or not people read them? But what an encouragement our text is. At the press of a key the word of God speeds around the world to dozens of countries and hundreds of people, and the Bible tells me that it will accomplish that which God desires. The limitation is in me, not His word.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb 4:12). Does the scripture ever allude that the word of God is limited or diluted because of our limitations? To those of you who are serving the Lord in areas where opposition to God’s word often seems impenetrable, take heart. Have you ever felt inadequate for the job to which God has called you? Does it seem like you are speaking to a brick wall whenever you speak the word of God? Be comforted by this verse, “the word of God is not chained”!

There is a wonderful verse in the Old Testament that says, “Though hail comes down on the forest, and the city is brought low in humiliation. Blessed are you who sow beside all waters, who send out freely the feet of the ox and the donkey” (Isa 32:19-20). In other words, the opposition may be great and the limitations extensive, but God will accomplish His will as we continue to preach His word. The “feet of the ox and the donkey” has been replaced today by e-mail and “snail mail”, but however His word is sown, God will bless the sower.

When Paul and Silas were in chains in the jail at Philippi, they were limited and restricted in their movements: “ Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed” (Acts 16:22-26). The word of God in the singing of hymns and prayer was not limited by their incarceration. Later that day, with their chains removed, they “spoke the word of the Lord to them” and the jailor and his household were saved and baptized. “The word of God is not chained”.