The Daily Word: Friday, July 2nd, 2021
2 Kings 20:1-22:2
Acts 21:18-36
Psalm 150:1-6
Proverbs 18:9-10
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done. – Acts 21:33
Paul knew he had to go to Jerusalem. God had told him to go! So he was going. But every stop he made along the way to the city, people warned him not to go:
And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. – Acts 21:10-12
But Paul didn’t listen. God had told him to go to Jerusalem, and he was going!
Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” – Acts 21:13
Just because it will be difficult does not mean the Lord wants you to avoid it! Even if it means you will suffer, does He still want you to go? Are you willing to do whatever He says, no matter the cost? Selah. If He sends you to get arrested so He can be glorified in your prison, will you go? If He sends you to be killed so He can be glorified in your death, will you say yes?
Let them warn you. Let your well-meaning friends caution you to take the easy way out when God has asked you to do something hard! But at the end of the day, all that matters is this: what has God asked you to do? And are you going to do it?
Prayer:
Lord, if You send me, I am going. Fill me with strength and boldness to say yes to Your calling and Your word for my life, no matter the cost, in Jesus’ name!
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.