As we continue to work our way through Hebrews chapter 13, we find more commands from God on the duties we must not only be aware of but perform. This next one in verse three is probably one that the majority of Christians do not fulfill. Why would I think that? Because we usually pray for or support the things that touch our lives. When situations are close to our hearts we tend to pray more and seek to change the situation. In verse 3 the writer teaches us that we are to remember those who are in bonds and those who suffer adversity, as if we were in the situation with them.
Hebrews 13:3 “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
My first thought of those in bonds goes to those who are in jail or seclusion because of their faith. Multitudes are in danger of their lives in countries where Christianity is seen as a threat because it is different from their current religion. In some ways they are right. We are a threat to their religion because we teach the truth of who God is and Jesus is the only way to Heaven. In John 14:6 Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me.” To some, this is a narrow statement and a bold one for Christians to proclaim Jesus is the only way. However, it is the truth, and it is God’s word. History verifies that Jesus walked the earth performed miracles, taught of the way to Heaven, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended back to Heaven. Over 500 people saw Him after the resurrection. Their gods’ bones are still in the grave where they were laid at death, but not my God. You will not find anything but an ancient decaying cloth that covered the body of Jesus before He rose from the grave.
Voice of the Martyrs is an organization worldwide that stands up for those imprisoned for their faith. It brings to our attention the injustice done to those who love Jesus. There are also many young girls and boys who are kidnapped and sold into slavery for sex. This has become a sinful wicked practice that is now being brought to the attention of the public. These young people may not be Christians, but they are in bonds. They are forced to have sex and use their bodies for evil.
I also think of those who are in prison because they have committed a crime. They are in prison because we have a justice system that deemed them worthy of prison, but God still loves them, and we need to remember them and pray for their souls. Pray for prison ministries that try to reach and teach them.
There is one other group that is in bonds greater than any other. It is those in the bonds of sin. These are deceived and are unaware of the deception. They live their lives with no concern about eternity. We know those in bonds because they stand for Christ suffer greatly, but one day, they will receive the reward of a perfect life with Jesus forever. Yet, those in the bonds of sin will spend eternity in Hell unless we pray and seek God’s face for them. We need to have compassion for their souls. While they may be wicked and evil they have a soul that God loves.
So, what does it mean to “remember” them? It means we are to not just have a fleeting thought about them, but we are to sympathize with them. We are to feel compassion for them. We are to have sympathy and when we pray for them fervently, we will begin to empathize with them. Empathy is deeper than sympathy. It allows us to put ourselves in their shoes mentally. The phrase “bound with them” means empathy.
Other religions are cold and distant from the bonds of others. Their religion is usually a work-based religion. It is a keeping of rules with no compassion. It is checking the box and moving on to what pleases them. They may see the oppressed and say some sort of prayer for them, but it does not move them to empathy. Christianity unites our hearts as one big family. It unites us as one race, the human race that God created. Because we share a common bond of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we are connected for all eternity.
The writer of Hebrews felt that remembering those in bonds whatever they may be, was important enough to include it in his last instructions of this book. It is a duty to remember them and pray.
