My friend Ubong is currently detained as an alien in an ICE detention center. I am thinking of him this morning with fond affection and admiration. He is actually wrongfully detained but by the grace of God has become a witness to other asylees and illegal aliens as well as the guards and contracted staff! I tend to be bold in my faith and live publicly for Christ, but for those who are not so naturally inclined, his detainment hopefully emboldens everyone to share their faith. That’s what happened when the apostle Paul was imprisoned under Roman guard. The palace guards found Christ and all around the Christians dared to proclaim the gospel without fear. Let’s do the same while praying for Ubong’s release and wisdom for the judge to decide his case.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. Philippians 1:9-14 NASB
How sympathetic to the suffering of others am I? to whom and in what way would God have me proclaim the gospel today?
God, as this day begins- I once again ask for a miraculous release of Ubong for Your glory. He has faithfully shined with the light and love of God and represented You in a dark and hopeless place. If that’s Your calling for a few more days, I know he will accept it. But, how desirous it is for us to have him home! As I minister at a memorial service today, may I hold out the Word of Life to all who need the hope of heaven and a relationship with You now. May the words of Jesus fall upon the ears of people who need Your love. Since I have freedom, I will proclaim the gospel without fear.
