Page 36 - Living light - The Psalms

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 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 .... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:35,40).
Ever wondered if Jesus has a priority list? Ever assumed that He is too busy with the power brokers, the decision makers, the rich and famous to notice the rest of us? Well think again...
Prisoners are one of the groups that Jesus picked out for a special mention. Freedom for prisoners is a key feature in his original job description given by the prophet Isaiah and owned by him in the temple at the start of his ministry:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” (Luke 4:18)
And yet it seems to me that prisoners do not draw our attention the same way, or to the same extent, as they did His. Perhaps this is because we can’t see them and have to go out of our way to encounter them... but then Jesus did that too. He sought out the most troubled people in the community and chose, not only to hang out with them, but to offer them friendship, hope and freedom.
It is a privilege to see the hands and feet of Jesus at work in all corners of The Prison Service today. We see Him meeting with prisoners in their cells, touching the hearts of prison staff giving a fresh perspective to their work. We see Him in Alpha and Sycamore Tree courses and making His presence known in church services as He continues to set the captives free in 2024. Please continue to pray.
REV’D HEATHER MARSDEN
Managing Chaplain, HMP Chelmsford
UPCOMING NCT EVENTS
JUNE
24th Time out with God – Chris Hill 25th Monthly seminar – Chris Hill
JULY
8th Time out with God – Peter Cockrell 11th Comedy evening - Andy Kind
16th Monthly seminar – Chris Hill
Mission to Prisons
YOUR LETTERS
Ms S. Cardiff. “Thank you for the booklet you send every month... how much I appreciate it.”
Ms L. London. “The daily Insights are very clear and helpful. The Contributors give much time and prayerful thought.”
“Thank you for all the work you do.”
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