REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first on March 31, 2013.
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“Visiting Those in Prison”
Hebrews 13:2
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners.
In the late 1980s, my wife and I visited a local prison every Monday to lead a Bible study—always bringing Korean snacks. Once, after receiving gimbap (Korean “sushi”), a puzzled prisoner asked, “Do I remove the seaweed before eating this?” I don’t remember exactly how we began visiting that prison, but I suspect it was because Jesus commended those who visited Him when He was in prison. Surprised, they asked, “When did we see you… in prison and go to visit you?” And Jesus replied, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:39).
In the mid-1990s, our church regularly visited the Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility in Whittier, California, a prison for juvenile offenders. During one visit, I explained to a young inmate involved in the chaplain’s ministry how difficult it was to encourage our congregation—who knew nothing about prison life—to participate. Graciously, he wrote a letter to our church:
“Hello, my brothers and sisters. I’m writing to let you know that we would like to meet you so that we can exchange prayers and fellowship in the Lord. The brothers whom you meet are all living soldiers of God who are trying to spread the love of God in this DARK AND LONELY institution. I was very encouraged and inspired the last time you came: a nice, delicious dinner, group prayer, the drama group, and an important message from your pastor. You make me smile when you are here. I may be down that Sunday, but your church picks me up along with the strength of the Lord. While you are here, there is no need to worry about your safety because you will be around brothers who have a serious love for God and by no means will have any negativity toward you. We are all in Christ, and we love you in the Lord. We’d love to hear from you.”
In the mid- to late-2000s, I had the opportunity to teach and preach regularly at a Mexican prison, and I must say they were the most captive audience (no pun intended) I have ever had. I will never forget one humorous episode involving a prisoner named Javier (who is now with the Lord). One Sunday, as we were about to enter the facility, Javier—who had just been released after serving 12 years—greeted us. Wanting to worship with us, he tried to reenter the prison, but of course the guards would not allow it.
So pray about being involved in mercy ministries—visiting prisoners, the sick, the lonely, or even those in hospice and convalescent homes. During this COVID season, finding people in need is not difficult. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:36: “I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Such ministry not only blesses them; it keeps our hearts close to the Lord.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be the person You can use to help people in need. Help me to remember those in prison and figure out ways to help them to be restored back to society and to You. Remind me to live no longer for myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 5