October 16
Bible Reading: Acts 21:7-15
Acts 21:13, “For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
These words of Paul echo the heart of the Lord Jesus Himself, for despite knowing what awaited him, “he set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). Nothing could work to dissuade Him from the God-given task that awaited Him there. Though He agonized in prayer over the cup He was soon to drink, He fully and perfectly subjected Himself to the Father’s will (Matthew 26:39). One disciple betrayed him, the rest abandoned him—still He remained resolute. They arrested Him. Beat Him. Falsely accused Him. But “like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). He was Heaven-sent to do the Father’s bidding, and so He did until at last He declared, “it is finished,” having completed the saving work He was sent to do.
Jesus saved Saul and commissioned him from the beginning to bear His name before the Gentiles and suffer for it (Acts 9:15-16). That mission was Spirit-reaffirmed to him on numerous occasions. And suffer he did! We’ve read of such in the Acts account. 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 likewise speaks of the many incredible trials he faced. Still, as with His Lord, Paul remained resolute. It was not by His own strength, for his adequacy, in all respects, was from God (2 Corinthians 3:6)! Though weak in himself, “the power of Christ” dwelt in him (2 Corinthians 12:9). By grace, he was made strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). By grace, He persevered.
God gave Paul a fight to fight, a race to run, and it was never easy. But he fought the good fight and finished the course (2 Timothy 4:7). It is a false expectation to suppose that the calling of a believer is to an easy life exempt from trials or suffering (2 Timothy 3:12; Philippians 1:29-30). But in Jesus, we have a preeminent example to follow (Hebrews 12:1-3). In following in His steps, Paul and countless others have likewise been led along that same well-worn path (Philippians 3:17).
When your path gets too hard, fix your eyes on the One who walked it before (Hebrews 12:2).
ALL FOR JESUS
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs,
all my thoughts and words and doings,
all my days and all my hours.
Let my hands perform his bidding,
let my feet run in his ways;
let my eyes see Jesus only,
let my lips speak forth his praise.
Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
cling to gilded toys of dust,
boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
only Jesus will I trust.
Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
so enchained my spirit’s vision,
looking at the Crucified.
O what wonder! How amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
deigns to call me his beloved,
lets me rest beneath his wings.
LookingtoJesus 