Paul’s Determination to Reach Jerusalem
Open Your Bible
Acts 21:1-36, Matthew 5:11-12, John 19:13-16
BY Abby Flynn
Crowds shouting accusations. Soldiers exerting their force. A violent crowd hurling insults. Calls for putting an innocent man to death. When we see Paul in Acts 21, the events feel pretty familiar, almost like we’ve been here before. The last time was when Jesus was accused and hung on a cross.
The thing about Paul is he had countless people in his life tell him not to go to Jerusalem before he went. It was other believers—a prophet, disciples, and his friends, all warning him not to do this thing that they feared would lead to his death.
And yet, Paul goes. He tells them that the issue is not what the people in Jerusalem will do to him. The important thing is what God wants to do through his obedience (Acts 21:12–13).
Paul says, “I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (v.13). He was committed to bringing the hope of Jesus to the Gentiles. When Paul goes into hostile territory with the hope of the gospel, it reminds me of what we’re all called to do in the first place.
If we consider ourselves to be Christians and followers of Jesus, we’ve been called to go into all the world and preach the gospel. That doesn’t mean just going where we’re comfortable, or where we’re well received. It’s a guarantee that we will face suffering and persecution because of our faith. If Jesus is our example, if we truly want to follow in His footsteps, then we are blessed when we’re persecuted and treated badly because of the boldness of our faith.
People may make false claims about us. There may be whispers or words of hate because of what we believe and whose we are. But our reward in heaven is greater than anything we can imagine here on earth.
Sometimes I need the reminder that this world is not our home. It’s not our final destination. We are headed for glory. And in the meantime, our job is not to be comfortable, happy, or loved by everyone. Our job is to share the hope of Christ. In some places, this will make us outcasts. Some people may look down on us or discredit us because of what we believe. That’s okay. We’re blessed.
God, help us to be more like Paul today. We pray for opportunities to give an answer for the hope that we have in You. Give us your strength and the boldness to live out our faith today, regardless of what the consequences might be.
38 thoughts on "Paul’s Determination to Reach Jerusalem"
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WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! Abby is so direct and to the point, but for me that is what I need. I need to be reminded, no TOLD, to “stand up and be counted”, to let people know where I stand when it comes to Christ and the Holy Spirit. I need to not just “wear my faith on my shirt sleeve”, I need to tell others.
Please pray for my aunt, she isn’t doing well. My cousin contacted me yesterday and said that my aunt and uncle will have to be moving into an assisted living facility. She needs to be there now. They have been married over 50 years.
Sisters, be blessed and let us go and spread the Great News. -
Taylor thankful that your talk went well. Ruth Long praise God He is workin in your life. ERB so good to hear from you again, I am continuing using to pray for your seizures. Melanie I will pray for continued healing. Adrienne glad to see that you are better able to keep up, we missed you!
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I’m running off this morning, but I need to ask for prayer for my husband from the best prayer warriors I know. His work situation is getting to be intolerable. No one I coming to work! They’re “sick”, their pets are sick, or one has a wife who can’t function so has to run home at the drop of a hat. He’s working open to close at the store, his owners won’t let him hire anyone else. I think you know we’re now headed into our late 60’s. He’s getting over tired and burned out. Please pray for his strength, endurance, a softening of the owner’s heart on the hiring issue and most of all for his people to COME TO WORK!!! Thank you so very much Sisters. Hugs & love to you all in Christ.
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The ending of this Devo is exactly my prayer this morning! Blessings to all of you my dear sisters. Every morning when I wake up I can’t wait to meet with Jesus and all of you here.
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Ruth Long, bless you! 20 +/- years ago I went through a really rough time until I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I am thankful every day for the doctors God has placed in my path and continues to do so. It can be frustrating. I hope your issues get better and God continues to put the right people in your path.
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Good Morning Sisters, good to read with you this morning. The question of are you willing like Paul to die to self, to put the glory of God first in your life, to speak and go when and where the Holy Spirit leads. Oh, I hope so, for it is what He is preparing us for as He gathers us in, to be the salt, the light, to share our Redeemer, Life Giver, Holy God. Lord help me to serve you better, to be so focused on you my vision is changed. Give these here in this community you all encompassing love, that we would overflow with You and impact this world in Jesus name. Amen. Sisters, I have moved, it has been a bit crazyand my grands and daughter came to visit the day after i moved in. My oldest grand then got a fever and we tested and she was positive for covid. Has been a whirlwind. But asking prayers for wisdom and listening to the Holy Spirit as there is much here right now. Please pray for His plan for my girls. Thank you. Love to you all.
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Great message!
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Hey Shes, praise God with me. After a while of searching, We found a doctor who could help with some of the mental and physical challenges I’ve been having and I just want to cry for how God provided and may use this first session with her. Thank you Jesus. I knew you listened. ❤️
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