As a prisoner for the Lord.

Ephesians 4:1

I think I am now right in reading the opening phrase, As a prisoner for the Lord.  Let me explain.  Over the years I think I just assumed it was “a prisoner of the Lord.”  No, no, “a prisoner for the Lord.”  Huge difference.  We are not unwilling prisoners in dungeons, put there by God.  Not a bit of it.  We are free human beings, freed by the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

As believers we are prisoners, for sure, but we are captured people who love the One who captured us and who has secured our lives forever.

As I read this, I see myself as a willing prisoner of my Redeemer and praise Him for keeping me safe.

Prisoners have very little freedom, in Christ we are freed prisoners, if we dare to say it in our terms. The two words seem opposite, free prisoners!  Maybe we should say, willing, thankful prisoners of Jesus Christ, our Fortress forever.