December 2nd~On to Jeruselum

Acts 20:13-21:36

We witnessed the end of Paul’s third missionary journey and his return to Jerusalem. He had an overwhelming sense that he was supposed to go there. “I am going to Jerusalem,” he told the elders of Ephesus, “drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me... The Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead” (20:22, 23).

On his way back to Jerusalem, he was warned by friends several times that he was headed for trouble. The disciples in Tyre prophesied that Paul should not go to Jerusalem (21:4). The daughters of Philip the Evangelist had the gift of prophecy; no doubt they warned him as well (21:9). Finally, Agabus tied Paul’s hands and feet with a belt and told him, “The owner of this belt will be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans.” When his friends heard this, they begged Paul not to go (21:10-12).

However, Paul remained resolute in his decision. “You are breaking my heart,” he said. “For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord, the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love” (20:24; 21:13).

Daily Reflection

I admire Paul for his steadfast courage in the face of difficulty and danger. He was compelled by his conscience to follow the Lord’s will, no matter what happened to him. Life and death seemed to matter little. What mattered most was that he was obedient to God and that he did right by Him. “Let me say plainly that I have been faithful... I did not shrink from declaring all that God wants... I never shrank from telling the truth...” (20:20, 26, 27).

Describe a time when you sensed that inner compulsion to do something that the Lord had given you to do, no matter how difficult.

We may call this inner strength that Paul demonstrated many things — guts, courage, bravery. Noah Webster called it fortitude. Here is his definition: “The strength or firmness of mind or soul which enables a person to encounter danger with coolness and courage, or to bear pain or adversity without murmuring, depression, or despondency. Fortitude is the basis or source of genuine courage in danger, of patience in suffering, or forbearance under injury, and of magnanimity in all conditions in life” (1828 Dictionary).

Is fortitude a natural or supernatural quality? Explain your answer.

What motivated Paul to go to Jerusalem was his view that his life was worth nothing unless he was using it for the Lord’s work. What does that “work” look like for you? Have you ever shrunk from doing what God has given you to do?

BiAY.org | Day 336 — 29 Days to Go