I am not sure it’s something to be proud of. But our country has the most extended and strictest lockdown in the world. As I write this, we are approaching the fifth month of some form of quarantine. Coping with prolonged confinement has been a real challenge for countless people. At the national level, our policymakers must certainly be racking their brains on ways to shield the country from further blows from the virus. At the individual level, we try to devise ways to keep us occupied and sane. Some discover cooking, others take up online studies, while some go into biking.

Perhaps the question that is in everyone’s mind is when will this end. The apostle Paul knew what it means to be confined and in lockdown. He was incarcerated in a Roman prison a few times in his life. Nearing his death by beheading, he wrote to his beloved disciple Timothy that he was “bound in chains as a criminal” (2 Timothy 2:9a). Think about it. The greatest missionary of all time. The most erudite theologian of the Scriptures. The person who authored the most number of New Testament books. Bound in a Roman prison, awaiting execution like a hardened criminal.

Paul’s next words to Timothy are just as amazing, if not more so. “But the word of God is not bound!” (2 Timothy 2:9b). The Jews had him arrested because he preached God’s word, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (see 2 Timothy 2:8). But while he was in prison, the word of God cannot be imprisoned. He said this to encourage his young disciple Timothy to persevere in the midst of trials and persecution.

Not a few Christians are discouraged by the limitations in corporate worship. Bible studies have been put on hold. Under such a condition, we may mistakenly think that the ministry of God’s word has been suspended. The words of Paul are a timely reminder that nothing can imprison the word of God. While physical gathering has been constrained, numerous opportunities to share the gospel have mushroomed in various forms. Churches have added a live feed of their worship services via the internet. Enterprising believers have started conducting Bible studies via the internet and phones.

It looks like some form of lockdown will persist in the near future. Let us be assured that God's word is free, transforming lives in ways we cannot even imagine.

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