Diving Head-First

I'm reading through Acts right now. First, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate Luke's detailed narration which reads somewhat like a history textbook. Again, this goes back to the narrative integrity of Scripture instilling confidence in my heart of the Bible's veracity -- something I wrote about earlier. Second, I am challenged by Paul's single-minded devotion to proclaiming the Gospel, despite assurances of persecution. In Acts 20, he says, "I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me."

Similarly, in Acts 21, Agabus prophesies by the Holy Spirit that the Jews "will bind the man who owns this belt [Paul] and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles." When the people urge Paul not to go to Jerusalem, Paul responds "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Paul did not know what lie ahead of him, except for imprisonment and affliction. And the concern of his friends for his safety literally broke his heart because not going would represent an impediment to his ministry.

I suspect many of us (myself included) would reconsider our plans if we knew for sure it would lead to intense suffering. May we have the same mindset as Paul, in saying that "I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." May we have the same mindset as the people who initially urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem but who ultimately said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” [Acts 21:14].

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