- Scripture:
After several days of visiting, a prophet from Judea by the name of Agabus came down to see us. He went right up to Paul, took Paul’s belt, and, in a dramatic gesture, tied himself up, hands and feet. He said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: The Jews in Jerusalem are going to tie up the man who owns this belt just like this and hand him over to godless unbelievers.” When we heard that, we and everyone there that day begged Paul not to be stubborn and persist in going to Jerusalem. But Paul wouldn’t budge: “Why all this hysteria? Why do you insist on making a scene and making it even harder for me? You’re looking at this backward. The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience. Can’t you see that?” We saw that we weren’t making even a dent in his resolve, and gave up. “It’s in God’s hands now,” we said. “Master, you handle it.”
Acts 21:10–14 MSG
- Reflection:
Ready to Go? Let’s Go.
Remember this:
When we follow Jesus, God will eventually ask us to do something we don't want to do, or go somewhere we don't want to go. This request may come as a nudge during prayer, a thought while reading the Bible, or through the words of a friend. However it comes, it will come. To become the men we were created to be, and to become the men the world needs us to be, we must act with the same boldness and confidence that Paul used. These requests lead us into the adventures for which we were created.
Where do we go from here?
"What do you think God might be asking of you right now, at this very minute? Is there anything you feel he's prompting you quietly to do? If so, trust him and take a practical and measurable step towards that thing today."
Our Prayer for Today
"Father, thank you for always being prepared to go at a moment's notice. It is your grace that allows us to honor others as you intend. When we are unable to assist those we come to help, we need to recognize when it's time to leave. Thank you for guiding us in all things, Jesus. Amen."