S) "13 Then 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.' 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, 'The will of the Lord be done!'"
Acts 21:13-14 (NASB)
O) Paul had determined to go to Jerusalem, but by this point, he had a widespread reputation among the Jews (particularly from the region of Asia), and he was frequently on the run from them. Upon coming to Caesarea, many people were prophesying and praying with and for Paul. Finally, a prophet named Agabus prophesied that Paul would be bound and arrested. However, Paul would not be deterred. The remarkable thing here, is the devout obedience that each party displayed. Abagus was faithful to the words the LORD gave him, despite knowing Paul's intent. Paul still obeys the direction the Lord gave him, understanding his mission fully. In a way, the certainty of the danger, was probably a comfort to Paul, because it was confirmation that his Lord was truly in control. By telling him ahead of time, it seems that the hardship would be easier to ride out.
A) Jesus Christ never promised personal safety or earthly victories, and no one understood this more than the apostle Paul. But, Paul counted himself as nothing. Personally, he was willing to die, again and again, so that wasn't the part that was hard. And, frankly, I often feel the same way about myself. However, as Paul so plainly points out - it's the tragic loss, mourning, and misunderstanding of others, that truly concerns me. If I was being called to something radical, something costly, and even if I received personal prophesy assuring me of the danger - could I still be obedient, knowing that my loved ones would grieve? It takes premeditated, determined obedience. That kind of obedience does not come easily, but it always, always worth the costs. This is what it means to be a disciple: being obedient, even when knowing that the risks aren't risks at all, but certainties of hardships.
P) Father, You are worth every loss, every risk - even when it's not actually risk and it's certain hardship. You are worth everything I have, and everything I could have. I make this declaration before I face any real hardships ahead. I am determined to become a more devoted disciple, but not of my own strength. I know that it will only come through maturing in the Holy Spirit, and by Your words shaping my heart. Change me into the obedient, devoted disciple I know You want me to be, and that I myself do want to be. Let Your will alone be done, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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