​Week 8, Day 2

​Week 8, Day 2
2.22.22
Scriptures: Acts 21
 
On the road towards death.
 
Paul’s friends knew that he was going to die. The opening verse of Acts 21 says, “After we had torn ourselves away from them...”
Luke is now giving a personal account of watching his fellow believer and missionary companion Paul lay down his life for the sake of the gospel.
 
“Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.” Yet he continued onward towards Jerusalem. There were even prophesies of his certain death that came to him, “When we heard this, we and the people pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’”
 
Paul knows something that we often forget.
 
Death is not the end.
 
Jesus is greater than death. He overcame. Paul throughout his ministry had been teaching fellow believers that God has overcome death. That nothing in this world would separate him from the love of God in Jesus. He holds this truth in his heart. He now will display it in his life.
He can certainly face the challenges ahead of him in in Jerusalem knowing Jesus is greater than all he will face.
 
They pry themselves from their friends. They know what is ahead. But Paul knows the Lord and his love goes with him.
 
Courage. Perseverance. Faithfulness.
It’s all there in the life of Paul.
 
He is going to almost certain death. But he knows it isn’t the end. 
 
May this story today, of Paul’s faithfulness give us courage, perseverance, and encouragement in our faith today.
 
God be with you.
 
Jordan.