While he was in prison, John the Baptist was depressed by doubts concerning Jesus being the Messiah. Jesus told His disciples that they should tell Him of the miracles they had seen and that, “the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Mt. 11:5, nkjv).
Many times it is the poor that are most receptive to the gospel, those who are poor materially and spiritually. Surely many who are in jail are among the very poor. Drinking and drug use may have left them destitute. A man told me that he had started using cocaine six months before. Now he had nothing and was facing time for burglaries. He had lost his home, his car–everything.
Jail is a place where a person can evaluate the direction his life is taking; it is an opportunity to consider making a change. I have been involved in jail work for about twenty-five years and have been the chaplain of our jail for about twelve years. We have two jails with a capacity of 300-350 men and women. Usually the jails are full. Perhaps about 10% will come regularly to Bible studies and some will profess faith in Christ. Many have never read the Bible, and some have said they have never held a Bible in their hands. It is a joy to preach the gospel to souls that have never heard the message before. When some with tears and brokenness receive Christ, it is a time of rejoicing.
But the follow-up when they are released can be discouraging. One man who had been a prison chaplain for twelve years said he only knew of about ten who were going on for the Lord. Many drop their “religion” when they get on the streets. They go back to their wives or old friends and in time revert to their drinking and drug use.
Last night I was with a man who professed Christ in our jail nearly three years ago and showed signs of spiritual life. He studied the Word and made good progress. But when he was released from prison, I heard nothing more from him. Now he is back in jail. With sorrow he told me he had gone back to his wife who is a heavy drug user, and in time he started back to his drinking and drugs. He told me, “I can’t go back to her. She’ll drag me down.” He is intelligent and knows the Lord, I believe. But the battle is intense.
We strongly warn those who profess Christ that to go on for Christ there are certain things they must do. They must break with their old friends, their drinking, partying buddies. They must read the Word and pray every day to maintain fellowship with God. And it is very important that they get into a good Christian church. We urge them if they live in our area to come to our assembly. Christian fellowship is vital for their growth.
We have had some join with us in our assembly. Others, because of family and friends, go to other churches. One faithful brother in our local church committed himself to being at every meeting when he was released. He has grown, is a blessing to all, and has led others to the Lord.
There will be some in heaven who have not gone on well. Dave professed Christ while in jail and later left us for more prison time. He kept studying the Word and growing. He told me, “Don, I have asked the Lord to give me one more chance to be a good husband and a good father to my three girls.” He had been a rough man, a hard drinker and a fighter, certainly a poor father.
But when he was released, his wife told him she was through with him. She had fallen in love with his younger brother. Dave got roaring drunk, and beat up his brother. He would have killed him, but had mercy; he was his brother. He continued drinking. He said, “Don, it’s the only way I know to handle my problem. I’ve always gotten drunk when things didn’t go well.”
Some time later, he was in a highway accident and killed, probably drunk. Dear Dave! I was his spiritual father and loved him. I believe I will see him in glory, but what a waste!
Yes, jail work can have its disappointments. Some may regress a time or two before gaining victory over the enslavement of sin. It is work where one must have faith, faith in the gospel and in the saving and keeping work of Christ. Surely these men and women who are poor spiritually and materially bankrupt, should have the chance of hearing the glorious gospel of God’s grace. What other chance do they have?