Right Where We Want Them

“We’ve got them just where we want them.” I don’t know who was the first to utter this line in sarcasm when all in reality seemed lost, seems it was a war hero. John McCain is the most recent in a political battle, pointing out his underdog status to Obama.

Anything could happen in politics, but for the Apostle Paul, everything could easily have seemed lost while writing to the Colossians from prison. He is the successful Apostle, church-planter, hero of the faith, and God has him…in prison?! He could be so useful if he were out! he could do so much more as a free man! Instead of such thoughts, he is on the offense while in chains, and he acts as if he has his enemies right where he wants them. From prison he sends greetings from other prisoners (Col 4:10), he encourages them to read his letter to other churches (Col 4:16), and he continues to instruct the churches in how to live.

Perhaps his instructions in prayer are most revealing and convicting. He writes in 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” And, “pray that a door for our release may be opened speedy that I may be more effective in the work of our Lord.” No, he doesn’t say the latter sentence at all. He writes, “Pray that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should.”

I have always been amazed that Paul doesn’t ask them explicitly for his release. Surely it would not have been sinful for him to do so. Sometimes we do find prayers in Scripture that God would change and improve the circumstances of believers. But the overarching purposes of Paul’s prayers are spiritual, not physical, with an eternal perspective clearly in mind. He even indicates it was good that he was in prison to the Philippians, because many in prison had trusted in Christ as a result.

So, as I prepare to embark for India, it would not be wrong to pray for “travel mercies,” for safety, for flight transfers, for my baggage and toothbrush to arrive intact. Instead, I ask for prayers in the vein of the Apostle Paul. I ask for prayers that God would open a door for our message. This message in south India is not that of Americans riding in to save the day, but it is first and foremost from the mouths of local, indigenous Indian pastors, and pastors in training—as they faithfully share Christ and start churches in their cities and villages. And pray that we might encourage them in their work, coming along side them in a small way for 10 days…perhaps learning how to be more bold upon our return as a result of our fellowship together.