Acts 21:12-15 [AMP]
12When we heard this, both we and the residents of that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13Then Paul replied, What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart like this? For I hold myself in readiness not only to be arrested and bound and imprisoned at Jerusalem, but also [even] to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.
14And when he would not yield to [our] persuading, we stopped [urging and imploring him], saying, The Lord's will be done!
15After these days we packed our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.
// A few things:
.. Most of the people who urged Paul not to go back to Jerusalem was supposed to be led by the Holy Spirit (Agabus the prophet and the disciples in Tyre)
.. Paul was implored even by his companions not to go back because of a severe persecution
.. Paul got his warnings through prophecy (led by the Spirit)
.. It was either Paul was just being warned about it and the urging was just the people's way of stopping it (since the prophecy was led by the Spirit) or Paul was just being "hard-headed?"
// Opinionessss:
.. I believe Paul was also a person who was led by the Spirit of God. He did most, if not everything, that God had told him to do even to its wildest sense. The prophecy given to him was probably a warning - to let Paul know what's awaiting him in Jerusalem.
.. If God wanted Paul to stay in Tyre and not go back to Jerusalem, knowing what we know of Paul, he also would've stayed. But he didn't.
.. Paul may have seen the greater impact it would carry when he goes back to Jerusalem, regardless the beating and persecution he's going to get.
.. In other words, Paul was looking at a bigger picture [salvation of the people in Jerusalem] rather than just thinking of the physical discomfort [persecutions] he was going to face
.. Yet, we are being encouraged by his preparedness for whatever comes his way in spreading the Gospel of Christ
.. "For I hold myself in readiness not only to be arrested and bound and imprisoned at Jerusalem, but also [even] to die for the name of the Lord Jesus."
// BELLE:
.. How is my "sensitivity meter" to the Holy Spirit is, right now?
.. Am I ready to face anything that awaits me? To give up things for the [agape] love of God? To let go of things that may seem difficult, for the sake of Christ?
.. My answer is, YES, only by the power of the Holy Spirit.
.. How can I get myself ready everyday for personal Christendom persecution? Always being in-touch with the Spirit in all that I do. To be in constant connection; to be reminded of the assurance that no matter what happens in life, HE is with me.
.. Just like Paul, I need to see a greater picture - leaving comfort [my personal "Tyre"] and accept warnings led by the Spirit as my foreshadow of what may possibly occur in my life.
.. Take these warnings and prepare for them. I can do all things through Christ!
.. See the big picture of what ultimately brings glory to God - ALONE!
// Lord, wow, these are great things. What is there that is awaiting me, Lord? Please prepare me? Please give me wisdom and strength. Use godly and Spirit-led people around to me to help provide these warnings [whatever they may be] in addition to what Your Word says. Lord, You know I am all for the bigger picture of what gives glory to Your name. I only want You to be glorified, regardless my own feelings, desires, people's desires, etc... may You be glorified in all that I do. Please use me and help me to more sensitive to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
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