Just recently, Alice Johnson was pardoned and released from prison and gave a stirring speech thanking God and President Trump. She said that her time in prison was not wasted and that God knew her name. Many prisoners come to faith while incarcerated. You might be surprised at this, but it’s true. God is working in prisons throughout the world. It is so true that the world coined a term to mock it, “Jailhouse Religion”. God loves prisoners and captives. In the Bible He said, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3). Of course, many of the Apostles and early followers of Yeshua (Jesus’ Hebrew name) were imprisoned for their faith. Paul referred to himself as the “Lord’s prisoner”. The Lord proclaimed 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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19).

Across the world many are unjustly imprisoned for their faith or as, so called, political prisoners. Communists and dictators fear the gospel message of Yeshua because He offers freedom from the fear of man, from the fear of physical death and from the snares and control of the enemy, just to mention a few. Of course, there are those who have been incarcerated for their crimes, but these too are especially loved by God, because their imprisonment is an awakening event, often preventing impending death. I have worked with prisoners for over twelve years and many have confirmed these exact circumstances. God speaks to prisoners who seek help, understanding, lovingkindness, truth, purpose and life. Moreover, many have never heard the message of Yeshua in a complete and correct manner; in prison they have time and opportunity. Yeshua said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)  

It’s not that God loves prisoners more than anyone else, but many recognize their need for Him while in prison. Those who are law abiding and have no problems or pressing need often ignore God and reject the message of Yeshua. If you have any opportunity to reach out to prisoners you will find that God is there before you and He is doing everything He said He would, including transforming lives of men and women, whom a worldly society has forgotten.