Acts 21
March 4, 2022
“Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’ When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’” (v13-14)
Paul has gone from killing followers of Jesus (Acts 8:1) to being willing to “die for the name of Jesus” (v13). Even when his fellow Christians are warning him about the suffering awaiting him in Jerusalem - Paul is resolved to do what Jesus has called him to do. Paul here is following in the footsteps of Jesus, who, “as the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51)
Father, I praise You for the transformation You can do in a person through the gospel - as illustrated in the life of Paul. I know I’ve not arrived spiritually, but neither am I the same person I was before trusting in Jesus. I pray that You would grow in me a heart that is so grateful for Your saving - and that so longs to serve the Savior, that (like Paul) I will be resolved to do whatever You call me to - even if it leads to suffering. Even today, give me the grace to do what is set before me - especially the hard things. For You, O Lord, are worthy of my trust and my obedience!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
-
Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
-
Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
-
➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
