His Righteousness

Having a son that is the Chaplain for a Texas prison allowed me to come across a very unique publication recently. It is a daily devotional booklet which is produced for prisoners, by prisoners. In conjunction with the KAIROS Prison Ministry of Ohio, the publication contains Bible verses and articles which have become a blessing  to those incarcerated.  The publication is called "Prisoner to Prisoner."

When I picked up the little booklet, I saw it contained a daily devotional message for every day, covering a two month period. Each one was written by an inmate or former inmate, with some form of testimony to the power of the Word of God in their lives. 

There was not one single word of condemnation in the pages I read. It is common knowledge that those who wrote the devotional articles had one thing in common with other writers....they are currently or have been incarcerated for committing crimes. 

I was amazed at the honesty with which they conveyed details about their mistakes, discussed scriptures which related to their personal situation, and pledged themselves to opening up their lives to receive God's grace and mercy and forgiveness.  I want to relate one story to show you these people are just like those of us who are "free." They sometimes struggle with sin, they doubt God, they neglect worship, they are a poor example for others, they forget to pray, etc. 

Meet "Bob," who has been in prison for 10 years and has his first opportunity to go before the parole board and seek his release. Bob is the picture of genuine conversion since early in his incarceration.  He has been quite active in worship, classes, and personal one-on-one teaching for almost 10 years. He is anxious to be released so he can have the freedom to tell everyone he meets about the saving power of Jesus Christ. 

The day comes for his meeting with the parole board. He enters the room, with letters from prisoners, letters from pastors, his good conduct certification, recommendation for release from a couple of well known business leaders. More than anything else, he is armed with the power of God and finds great strength because of his constant life of prayer. 

In boldness and confidence, Bob addresses the board. After the presentation of all his accumulated recommendations, Bob felt sure his parole was imminent.  The board, however, came back with a ruling of  "five more years of incarceration."  Bob was devastated. 

From his prison cell, alone with his thoughts, Bob cried out to God. His agony was evidenced by his tears. His prayers seemingly weren't being heard, and if they were heard, they weren't being answered.  When Bob was leaving his cell for the evening meal, he felt God saying to him, "They are watching you."  He prayed again and thanked God for the reminder. The Bob describes his walk to the cafeteria by saying, "When they look at me, all they see is His righteousness."

Maybe you are where you are today because that is where God wants and needs you to be. Regardless of our location, situation or our circumstances, may we be so devoted to Him, that when others look at us, they see only "His righteousness."

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