And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. – Acts 20:22-24
Paul is saying farewell to the elders of Ephesus. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Paul didn’t know what was ahead of him and he had every reason to believe it was not good. But that didn’t trouble him nor was he moved by the uncertainty of things. Paul stayed faithful to his cause, spreading the gospel of Christ, for which he was willing to lay down his life.
Paul had apparently received many warnings of the Holy Spirit. He knew that prison and hardships lay ahead of him. And yet, that did not deter or set him off the track. Paul thought of himself as nothing compared to his God and how he could serve Him. He wanted to finish his race, finish well and with joy. Paul considered the gospel he preached worth dying for.
Paul was not moved by uncertainty. He was able to trust God even when he didn’t know what would happen. He could sing with the psalmist; I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. (Psalm 16:8).
Life is uncertain. And we often worry about possible difficulties and dangers. Can we like Paul, keep our focus instead, on the task of living for Christ and finishing well?
Lord, give me the grace I need to serve you and finish well, I pray.
Extended Reading – Acts 20:4-38; Acts 21; Acts 22; Acts 23:1-35
Read through the Bible in One Year: CLICK HERE
Links to Related Resources
Bible Gateway | Enduring Word | Bible Study Fellowship | FRMS YouVersion Plans
0 Comments