By “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” -Ephesians 4:1-6
My grandfather was an American prisoner of war in Italy during World War II. He was captured by German soldiers and transferred to a prison camp in Italy. He was held there for six months until one night a hole was blown in the prison wall enabling him to escape. He fled to the mountains and lived there for nine months until he could at last cross enemy lines and make his way home. When he was in those prison walls, he did not look at his fellow hostages and urge them to walk in a manner worthy of Mussolini; the one who held them in bonds. Why not? Because the one who held my grandfather prisoner was not a good master nor worthy of imitation.
The Apostle Paul was a prisoner of Jesus Christ. As a prisoner, he urged his readers to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus. Why would he say such a thing? Because the one who held him captive was perfect. And when you are held captive by a perfect master, you are fully and eternally free.
Have you heard the call of Jesus? He is in the business of setting captives free. He loves to break across enemy lines, blow a hole in the side of deception, and deliver those who are in bondage to sin.
(Recommended prayer with your children)
Dear Lord, we regularly are deceived into thinking we dwell in the light and can see everything clear. We acknowledge today that we have been living across enemy lines and often dwell in darkness. We ask that you would find and set us free. We don’t want to remain in the sin we have so often clung to. We pray for help and deliverance in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen
Leading Family Devotions 