Key scripture- “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, ‪the offspring‬ of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:8-9, ESV)!

The ancient catacombs are six hundred miles of tunnels underneath Rome that were in use for three hundred years— at a time when the church was so persecuted, that being known as a Christ-follower would cost you your life.

Pastor, James McDonald says that the most common inscription found on the tunnel walls is the phrase that Paul penned to Timothy: “The word of God is not bound!” This is the enduring testimony of people who were imprisoned and suffering for their faith, losing loved ones, and dying in allegiance to Christ. They remembered Jesus with graffiti, and they rejoiced because neither Christ the living Word nor God’s written Word can ever be stopped.

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy from prison. Which is a model to all believers after him, because he was going through one of the most difficult things a person can endure and instead of focusing on his circumstances he chose to focus on Jesus.

Based on the context, Paul was basically saying, “Now, forget about the hardship for a moment and remember Jesus Christ, Who is risen from the dead. Think about how often you heard me talk about Him. He’s alive! Don’t forget that for a moment.” Paul was “suffering, bound with chains as a criminal.” He had traveled the world, preaching the gospel and planting churches. Now he was in an awful prison unable to move around and being treated like a criminal, but if we could see Paul, most likely we would see him sitting there with his hands and feet in stocks and a big grin on his face.

Why? He was remembering Jesus. He realized his own extreme limitations highlighted a great truth: “But the word of God is not bound!” This is the confidence available to all of us who are children of God.

This was a good word for Timothy and it’s a good word for us. We’re not following a loser—we’re following a Winner. We’ve been enlisted by Jesus, the One who completed His mission, and cried “It is finished” (John 19:30), and He conquered sin and death!

Jesus the Eternal Victor, Almighty God, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. His tomb is empty! Don’t ever stray from that. Always remember you are serving Jesus Christ who is risen from the dead!

Can you rest in that confidence and rejoice in it? Whatever your challenges or limitations, Jesus has overcome everything. Bring to mind all He has done for you. He saved you from sin and its eternal consequences, lived the greatest life worth imitating, and He is now the Lord who guides you, guards you, and never leaves you.

Remember Jesus, the only One not limited or bound. He and His Word will accomplish all God intends for them to accomplish in you and through you.

Take a few moments and thank the Lord that Jesus Christ, the Living Word, cannot be bound.

Pray this, Our Precious Heavenly Father, I know remembering Jesus is more than just thinking about the facts that I can recite from His life. Really remembering is letting His words and actions change the way I live. Continue to teach me through Your Word so that I can keep my focus on You no matter what my circumstances are. Your Word can accomplish anything in my life and in the lives of others—so help me to be bold like Paul and realize my limitations are nothing compared to the power of Your Word. Your Word goes forth and always accomplishes it’s purpose. Your Word never comes back empty. Your Word has been tested and is perfect and flawless. I know that if I pay attention, and live by Your Word, I will find good. Your Word is Godly Wisdom. Your Word will always be fulfilled. Make me so that I am always perseverant and faithful to Your Word. Like Paul, I proclaim the Word of God will not be bound. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Credit: The Holy Bible
2 Timothy 2:8-9
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