Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:22-24

How would you feel like if every were you went their was some prophet telling you your going to be imprisonment and tribulation are awaiting you. That is exactly what Paul is facing. Wherever Paul goes there is a prophet awaiting for him with the same message, if you go back to Jerusalem you are going to be bound and imprisoned. For me I think I would have headed for Tarshish but not Paul. You see while Paul knew that simply because God was telling him ahead of time that difficulty awaited him, he also knew that being in God’s will does not necessarily comfort and ease. For Paul his love for the people of Jerusalem outweighed his fear of imprisonment or even death. What did matter to him was that he would finish his race with joy. There is only one way to finish your life with real joy and that is Paul’s way, “nor do I count my life dear to myself.’ Jesus said it this way “If you save your life you lose it but if you lose your life for My sake and the gospel you will find it.”

God Bless,

Pastor Rick

Next Reading: Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21