ACTS 21:1-14
"For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Chapter 21 is such a wonderful and clear picture of Jesus! Paul's bound by the Spirit to go minister to those in Jerusalem. He is willing and wanting to go for the betterment of the people and ready to die for his mission. Not only is Paul willing to die, but he also fully knows that he probably will die in his calling. This is a picture of Jesus and His walk to the cross for all those who will listen and believe. Jesus came to die for sinners, and nothing would prevent Him from His mission. Praise God for Jesus's steadfastness!
Just like with Jesus, we see that many attempted to prevent Paul from going to Jerusalem because they knew what would happen to him there. They knew that chains, beatings, prison, and even death waited on him and because of the love they had for him, they begged him not to go. Once again, we see the story of Jesus!
In Matthew 16, Peter tries to prevent Jesus from going to die on the cross out of his great love. However, how does Jesus respond? Jesus tells Peter, "Get behind me Satan," because any attempt to prevent Jesus's true calling is not of the Lord. No matter who stood in His way. So, in Jesus's calling to the cross, it was not only the naysayers and mobs trying to stop Jesus, even those that loved Him tried to stand in His way. We see the same imagery in Acts 21 as Paul, bound in the Spirit, walks towards potential death. Loved ones as well as the enemy tried to prevent his direction that God had called him to.
What we see in Matthew 16 and Acts 21 is seen all throughout the Bible and also seen today; that there will be many potential obstacles in the direction God has called us to. Like Jesus, like Paul, you and I have a calling as well as many who try and prevent our walk.
Those who try and prevent us could be a loved one who is scared for us, the enemy who is scared of us, or just simply distractions that try to reroute us.
Remember, if you are saved by the grace of God and blood of Jesus, then be bound in His Spirit in the direction He takes you! Whatever it is God has called you to, move towards that destination and don't let anything stand in your way.
Stay faithful church.
Just like with Jesus, we see that many attempted to prevent Paul from going to Jerusalem because they knew what would happen to him there. They knew that chains, beatings, prison, and even death waited on him and because of the love they had for him, they begged him not to go. Once again, we see the story of Jesus!
In Matthew 16, Peter tries to prevent Jesus from going to die on the cross out of his great love. However, how does Jesus respond? Jesus tells Peter, "Get behind me Satan," because any attempt to prevent Jesus's true calling is not of the Lord. No matter who stood in His way. So, in Jesus's calling to the cross, it was not only the naysayers and mobs trying to stop Jesus, even those that loved Him tried to stand in His way. We see the same imagery in Acts 21 as Paul, bound in the Spirit, walks towards potential death. Loved ones as well as the enemy tried to prevent his direction that God had called him to.
What we see in Matthew 16 and Acts 21 is seen all throughout the Bible and also seen today; that there will be many potential obstacles in the direction God has called us to. Like Jesus, like Paul, you and I have a calling as well as many who try and prevent our walk.
Those who try and prevent us could be a loved one who is scared for us, the enemy who is scared of us, or just simply distractions that try to reroute us.
Remember, if you are saved by the grace of God and blood of Jesus, then be bound in His Spirit in the direction He takes you! Whatever it is God has called you to, move towards that destination and don't let anything stand in your way.
Stay faithful church.
SCRIPTURE TO GO WITH THE MESSAGE
Read Matthew 16 as it is referenced in our devotion this week as well will be read on Sunday.
Posted in Year One