The Scriptures are clear that we are not to
be in bondage to sin or to the Law but what we sometimes miss in our Christian
lives is that there are some “bonds” that are bestowed upon us by God Himself.
We are reminded of the Apostle Paul who was
imprisoned by Rome and yet he can say that he was not a prisoner of Rome but a “prisoner
of Jesus Christ” (Philemon 1:9). He makes it clear that he is right where God
wants him to be and that God is using the “chain” to further the Gospel,
encourage the brethren and bring glory
to His name. In fact, Paul wrote 4 of his New Testament Epistles from that
Roman imprisonment. Much fruit came from it.
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the
things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the
gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the
rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord,
having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word
without fear.” Philippians 1:12-14
We think of breaking the chains of bondage
to sin and the Law – and that is a wonderful thing indeed! But we also must
keep in mind that some of the limitations in are life are not chains of bondage
but actually what John Newton ( former slave trader and author of Amazing
Grace) referred to as “kite strings” in
his poem of the late 1700’s below.
Let us consider whether some of the
limitations in our life have been placed there by no less than God and that
there is purpose in them. Let us learn to be content with God’s will and to “take
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in
distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2
Corinthians 12:10
The Kite
by John Newton
Once upon a time a paper kite mounted to a
wondrous height,
Where, giddy with its elevation, it thus
expressed self admiration:
“See how yon crowds of gazing people admire
my flight above the steeple;
How they would wonder if they knew all that
a kite like me could do!
Were I but free, I’d take a flight and
pierce the clouds beyond their sight;
But, ah, like a poor prisoner bound, my
string confines me to the ground.
I’d brave the eagle’s towering wing might I
but fly without a string.”
It tugged and pulled, while thus it spoke,
to snap the string.
At last it broke.
Deprived at once of all its stay, in vain
it tried to soar away.
Unable its own weight to bear, it fluttered
downward through the air.
Unable its own course to guide, the winds
soon plunged it in the tide.
Ah, foolish kite, thou hadst no wing, how
couldst thou fly without a string?
Oh, Lord, I see how much this kite
resembles me!
Forgetful that by Thee I stand, impatient
of Thy ruling hand;
How oft I’ve wished to break the lines Thy
wisdom for my lot assigns.
How oft indulged a vain desire for
something more, or something higher.
But for Thy grace and love divine ,a fall
thus dreadful had been mine!
