OzThoughts –Friday 5th September 2008.

OzThoughts –Friday 5th September 2008.

One of the worst sounds I have ever heard is the clanging shut of the huge steel prison door behind me. If there is a worse sound it is the turning of the key in the lock. It is a sound I have heard often. It did not matter which of seven of the eight prisons I have been in, the sound was the same. The eighth was a prison farm so the huge steel gates were not there. However, even there, strong discipline and protocols ensured that each prisoner understood his lack of freedom.

These were operating prisons. They were overcrowded with prisoners and numerous armed guards imposed security. I have also visited a number of prisons, now empty and bare and almost welcoming to the tourists who will comment on the small cells and say, as if reading from a script “I would hate to be in here”.

I have visited as a Prison Chaplain or as a Salvation Army Bandsman. A number of times I have visited Sydney’s Parramatta Prison as a Salvation Army Emergency Services Officer during Prison Officer’s strikes to pack individual daily food packs for prisoners and deliver them to their cells under Police guard.

The ringing steel of the slamming door reminded me I was in. I could assure myself I would be out in an hour or two. I was also aware that very strict rules and protocols were in place. If I wished to be safe and wished to be granted further access then I had to obey those protocols.

These prisons were no motels. A motel invites relaxation and freedom of choice. A prison with bare essentials restricts every freedom. However, even the old 19th and early 20th century prisons I visited would be much more motel like than the prison that Peter was thrown in when he was arrested. Peter would have done it very tough.

Peter was chained between soldiers. We read yesterday:

That night, even though shackled to two soldiers, one on either side, Peter slept like a baby. And there were guards at the door keeping their eyes on the place. Herod was taking no chances! (Acts 12: 6 The Message ).

Later we read of Paul in prison in Philippi:

The judges went along with the mob, had Paul and Silas's clothes ripped off and ordered a public beating. After beating them black-and-blue, they threw them into jail, telling the jail keeper to put them under heavy guard so there would be no chance of escape. He did just that—threw them into the maximum security cell in the jail and clamped leg irons on them. (Acts 16: 22-24 The Message).

Peter was released from prison by angel. An angel fetched Peter, but prayers of Peter’s friends fetched the angel. We can read of Paul and his time in prison and then his release from it:

Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose. (Acts 16: 25-26 The Message).

A minister friend, some years ago, made the comparisons: Peter slept and Paul sang praises. Peter was released by an angel and Paul was released by an earthquake. My friend wondered if there was a sense of competition between these two.

There is an assurance here. We are never beyond God’s care. His grace is sufficient. He is all powerful. When people, government or organisations try to bind us, Jesus sets us free!

Charles Wesley could write the triumphant words:

[Listen: (audio) http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3717.mp3
Watch: (video) http://www.salvoaudio.com/video/video_035.WMV ]

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avails for me.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears;
'Tis life and health and peace.

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honours of thy name.

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise;
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!
(note : order of verses reversed for emphasis).
Author: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 64

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