“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.”
Psalm 107:13
The theme of captivity or imprisonment is prominent in the great unfolding story of the whole Bible and speaks to each one of us. Exile and hope after discipline is a thread that runs throughout Scripture, pointing us to Christ.
Psalm 107 describes “prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the Most High” (v. 11). And who brought that discipline to bear? God Himself: “He subjected them to bitter labor; … and there was no one to help” (v. 12).
But the distress of God’s discipline stirred them to cry out to Him. They saw that His heart went out to them. The psalmist says, “Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love” (v. 15).
Across my nearly 20 years of involvement with brothers behind prison walls, very many of them have said to me, “If it weren’t for my incarceration, I would not know the Lord.”
Perceiving the love that reaches out through discipline is not easy, but the reconciliation is real. And so is the compassion that washes over our distress.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim McCracken and Friends
Tim McCracken is an ordained pastor, and for nine years he has been the Regional Director of Metanoia Prison Ministries in San Joaquin Valley, California. He made his first connection with men in an area prison nearly 20 years ago. Through letter writing, visiting, and leading chapel services, he learned that the San Joaquin Valley has the highest concentration of long-term incarcerated persons in the nation. Tim’s faithful, loving interaction with the men there has been life-changing for many. He is husband to Lori, father of three married children, and grandfather of nine.
Psalm 107 describes “prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the Most High” (v. 11). And who brought that discipline to bear? God Himself: “He subjected them to bitter labor; … and there was no one to help” (v. 12).
But the distress of God’s discipline stirred them to cry out to Him. They saw that His heart went out to them. The psalmist says, “Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love” (v. 15).
Across my nearly 20 years of involvement with brothers behind prison walls, very many of them have said to me, “If it weren’t for my incarceration, I would not know the Lord.”
Perceiving the love that reaches out through discipline is not easy, but the reconciliation is real. And so is the compassion that washes over our distress.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim McCracken and Friends
Tim McCracken is an ordained pastor, and for nine years he has been the Regional Director of Metanoia Prison Ministries in San Joaquin Valley, California. He made his first connection with men in an area prison nearly 20 years ago. Through letter writing, visiting, and leading chapel services, he learned that the San Joaquin Valley has the highest concentration of long-term incarcerated persons in the nation. Tim’s faithful, loving interaction with the men there has been life-changing for many. He is husband to Lori, father of three married children, and grandfather of nine.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 107:10-16
Insight
Written by Tim McCracken, Regional Director for Metanoia Prison Ministries, San Joaquin Valley, CA, reminding many brothers in Christ that there is hope in Jesus.
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 13-14
- Psalm 32
- Mark 12