Our fathers chained in prisons dark
Were still in heart and conscience free
How sweet would be their children’s fate
If they like them could die for Thee
Faith of Our Fathers 1849
By: Frederick William Faber (1814 – 1863)
Listen to this a cappella version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.
Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant! Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!
Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we continue our journey through this hymn ask yourself if you can make the commitment of the refrain. “Faith of our father, holy faith, we will be true to Thee ’til death.” That is quite a commitment! Let’s tune our hearts.
Chained…
Restricted. Confined. Stifled.
At times these words may apply to our faith, but though similar to “chained” they are simply not the same. We can feel as though others try to restrict or confine us or our actions because of our faith. We may occasionally feel stifled, like we are not free to express our views because they are not widely accepted or politically correct, but most of us have never been chained because of our faith, let alone imprisoned.
The same can not be said of our fathers in the faith. Some of them were chained and imprisoned for the holding the same views we celebrate every time we gather with others at church. Others still for gathering in others homes to quietly practice their faith. This kind of opposition is foreign to most of us but that was not the case for some who have come before us.
Our fathers chained in prisons dark
And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Acts 16:23 ESV
There are many stories in Scripture and beyond where our spiritual fathers were imprisoned for their faith. This of Paul and Silas is but one of them. Their faith was more than words. It was action as well, even when that action was painful and inconvenient. What an example!
Historical fact. Christians have at many different times and places been imprisoned for their faith. The effect of that treatment, though designed to harm the faith, has actually strengthened it. Pray for those imprisoned now that their faith would be strengthened too.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about the chains worn by some of those who have gone before us in Christ. How remarkable was their faith. Some are wearing chains today because of that same faith. Make this your simple prayer “God, strengthen the faith of our imprisoned brothers and sisters.”
Yet Free
Though they wore chains, they were free. Seem contradictory? Well, it is not.
Though many have been chained in prisons dark, their countenance remained bright. What was done to their hands simply could not be done to their hearts. They remained unconstrained, absolutely not under the control of the one who placed the chains.
They remained in the dungeons and the prisons but their hearts free. How could you tell? Some of them sang songs. Were they crazy? Had they lost their minds? No. They were just free.
Were still in heart and conscience free
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, Acts 16:25 ESV
They remained free even though they were in chains. Seems contradictory if not even impossible but it is true. Praying is one thing, maybe for deliverance, but singing is another. So free were they in heart and conscience they could sing hymns of praise to God. Hallelujah!
To remain faithful is one thing. To do so while ascertaining a freedom that goes beyond chains and bars is quite another. Their faith never wavered because they were trusting in one whose power and kingdom are not limited by earthly authority. May we walk in that freedom daily.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and reflect on the freedom that is ors, in spite of our circumstances. Is there anything that is constraining you, forming proverbial chains around heart or conscience? Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, help me walk in freedom daily.”
God, thank You for the faith that allowed our spiritual fathers to remain free in heart though chained in hand. It barely makes sense but we know it is true. Help us walk in that freedom every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Emancipated Tuning!
Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.
Like what you’re finding here? Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.
Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.
Video 36.2 Transcript
Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.
Our fathers chained in prisons dark
Were still in heart and conscience free
How sweet would be their children’s fate
If they like them could die for Thee
Historical fact. Christians have at many different times and places been imprisoned for their faith. The effect of that treatment, though designed to harm the faith, has actually strengthened it. Pray for those imprisoned now that their faith would be strengthened too.
God, strengthen the faith of our imprisoned brothers and sisters.
To remain faithful is one thing. To do so while ascertaining a freedom that goes beyond chains and bars is quite another. Their faith never wavered because they were trusting in one whose power and kingdom are not limited by earthly authority. May we walk in that freedom daily.
Jesus, help me walk in freedom daily.
We have a faith that has been handed down to us from those who have gone before us. We are their spiritual children and some of us may share their fate. Do we have the perspective that would enable us to stand as strong as they did if we were persecuted for our faith?
Father, show me the resolve of my faith.
And what if the choice was either renounce our faith or die? Would it even be a choice at all or would we gladly welcome the opportunity to die for our faith as did many of them? Would we consider that a sweet fate or would we see it as a terrible consequence of believing?
Lord, help me embrace the fate of my faith.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.
Sing
Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, Be Resonant.
The post How Can One Who Is Chained Be Free? appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attributions
Our fathers chained in prisons dark – https://pixabay.com/photos/darkness-nature-close-up-background-3355759/
Were still in heart and conscience free – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/freedom-silhouette-woman-2053281/
Leave a Reply