Friday 18 October 2024

Psalm 145

Background
Today’s reading from Paul's letter to Timothy has so much to teach us about imprisonment, abandonment and the desperate attempt to maintain a sense of self.

In verses 10 and 14 we see the price a person pays when they are incarcerated as suddenly relatives, friends and acquaintances are nowhere to be found. Paul is urging Timothy to see him urgently, as he recognises his imprisonment will be a long one and may result in his death. He realises only Luke stayed by his side – every one of his ministry colleagues have literally deserted him.

Paul laments in verse 16, that no one even came to support him at his hearing. It's an all too familiar experience that many prisoners go through. If you are serving a life, or other very long sentence, your network of friends outside the prison walls is likely soon to diminish. Also, some prisoners out of choice ask their loved ones to stay away: they feel their loved ones are suffering enough for their imprisonment.

In verse 13 Paul asks for his personal effects, desperate to maintain a sense of self in a situation that looks bleak and perhaps hopeless. Luke, his partner in ministry, perhaps could have provided a cloak, but Paul wanted his own. He particularly wants the parchments. He has a sense of what will happen to him, so was probably putting his house in order, or, should I say, making his final wishes known. In my experience, not every prisoner is able to make their final wishes known. Also, often prisoners not only grieve the loss of their freedom, but they also mourn the loss of personal belongings. For some it can be devastating as items such as photos could be their last link to relatives and friends in the outside world.

God must have had a plan: was the desertion of Paul's friends a necessity? Paul in verse 17 acknowledges that God gave him strength, then in verse 18 he shares his faith that God will rescue him and bring him safely to God's heavenly kingdom.

Many prisoners cling to the assurance that God will see them through their sentence. For many this takes the form of improving their well-being; they spend time exercising, gaining knowledge through education and reading, and they attend services. Many look forward to the day when they will walk as free; but are mindful that the road to freedom requires a lot of hope.

To Ponder:

• As Christians we are called to love one another, as Christ loves the Church. Have you ever thought of those in prison? Have you prayed for them? Would you consider becoming a prison visitor?
• How would you feel if you found yourself with none of your personal effects? When you are incarcerated, all you might have to remind you of a loved one is a photograph or a recorded voice. Can you fathom the frustration people go through in prison when they are physically unable to help family and other loved ones who are out in the community?

Prayer
We pray for all those incarcerated, unable to see or help loved ones, whose mental health is a constant battle. Support with your love both prisoners and their families, and all prison staff and those who care. Amen.

Bible notes author: Caroline Dobinson
Caroline is Managing Chaplain at Lowdham Grange Prison in Nottinghamshire.