4/14/10 Acts 21 - Did not have internet access on the 14th.
Ready to Die
(Ac 21:13)13Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 21 concludes what is known as the 3rd missionary journey and the trip home that began in Acts 20. Paul was traveling to many cities on his return trip to Jerusalem all the while the Holy Spirit was confirming to Him that bonds and afflictions awaited him there. Even at some of the final stops before going to Jerusalem, Paul was being cautioned by disciples about going to Jerusalem, because persecution awaited him there. In the final city, Caesarea, Paul and his companions were staying at Philip the evangelist house. While he was there a prophet named Agabus came from the Judea region and prophesied, in this case proclaimed to them a truth that would happen in the future, that Paul would indeed be bound upon going to Jerusalem. This is the same Agabus from Acts 11:28 who prophesied of a great famine years earlier that would come and then did.
All his companions and many of the local believers were begging and weeping for him not go up to Jerusalem. They were trying to persuade from going through with his plans to report to the church in Jerusalem and complete a Nazarite vow that he had taken. His response to them was v 13 why are you breaking my heart? Then he confidently tells them what is in his heart for His Savior. He was not only ready to be bound, but to even die if need be for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Are we willing to follow the Lord Jesus in such a way that we to are ready to die? Living a life that follows the Lord Jesus is an offense to many because that is a life that confronts people of their self righteousness and it makes them feel guilty. Paul’s life and message proclaimed to people that there was not one thing that they could do to give them a better standing with God. The gospel is by grace with no additions. Paul’s life is a shining example of following the Lord Jesus Christ without wavering and unwilling to compromise any truth. He loved Jesus more than he loved his life. Oh could that be me?
Prayer: Father thank you for how Paul lived his life as an example of pursing Jesus and listening to the Spirit. Thank you that how his life teaches me that being obedient to You is far greater than life itself. Perform in me a life that will follow Jesus and is content to be used however you wish for your honor and glory, in Jesus Name. Amen.