Absolute Captivity

"Now thanks be to God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ." 2 Cor. 2:14

"The viewpoint to maintain is that we are here for one purpose only, viz., to be captives in the train of Christ’s triumphs. We are not in God’s showroom, we are here to exhibit one thing—the absolute captivity of our lives to Jesus Christ. How small the other points of view are—‘I am standing alone battling for Jesus’; ‘I have to maintain the cause of Christ and hold this fort for Him.’ Paul says—‘I am in the train of a conqueror, and it does not matter what the difficulties are, I am always led in triumph.’ ...

"Paul’s secret joy was that God took him, a red-handed rebel against Jesus Christ, and made him a captive, and now that is all he is here for."

My Utmost for His Highest : October 24

I was reminded of this again, when visiting Berit Kjos' 'Crossroad' site (see link above right). On more than one occasion when Paul writes, he begins "Paul, a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ..." (Ephesians 3:1-3, Philemon 1:1-3) He was not a prisoner of Rome, or the Jews, but of God. You are in your situation because the Lord Himself has placed you there. If He has not told you to leave, then stay and He will enable you to do so. He will no doubt use your 'prison' for your refining, until He has you in a place of complete surrender, and until there is the sweet, lovely fruit of His character emanating from your life. (Galations 5:22) It is easy to say, but not so easy to practise. As soon as I think I am doing better, the pruning scissors are put to me again. I am a wretched, slow learner and the flesh always wants to complain and have its way. Lord, I want sweet fruit which will bless others, not bitter fruit. But how often my prayer is that the Lord will not just help me to endure, but that He will even make me willing to endure in the first place. It is the surrender to His will which must come first. Suffering can be endured in anguish and bitterness of heart, and others may still admire our human grit...but if the heart is not surrendered, not completely relinquished, then it is worth nothing in the Lord's sight. Abide in Him, and let Him have His way.

John 15:5,8 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.