Acts 21
The Scripture reading for today is Acts 21. To access this Scripture, click here:
Acts 21:10-14, Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. He came over, took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.' When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
I have to admit, I struggle with this passage. Paul is being warned repeatedly by believers, those who have the gift of prophecy, that he should not go on to Jerusalem because it is dangerous for him. Paul has experienced persecution and danger, but what is waiting for him in Jerusalem could certainly be the worst yet. And yet, he insists upon going. Was he ignoring warnings from the Holy Spirit or simply determined to courageously carry out what God called him to do?
Now, most of us will never, ever encounter the kind of resistance and persecution that Paul is experiencing. But how often have we felt the strong call of God in a particular area and then felt dissuaded by our Christians brothers and sisters to carry it out? So often, I think people react to our plans more out of fear for us and/or how our lives might be disrupted than from clear guidance from God. (There are certainly exceptions but I wonder how people's reactions might be different if we asked them to go home and pray about it specifically and diligently for a week.) Paul clearly felt God had called him to return to Jerusalem, minister to the Jews and Gentiles there, and face the authorities, so that God's Word could be preached to the powers that be no matter the consequences. Wow, just wow.
Let's pray...God, give me today even but a small amount of the courage, discernment, and trust that Paul had in you as he headed into Jerusalem. Give these listeners even but a small amount of the courage, discernment, and trust that Paul had in you. We so often live in a state of fear. Help us to live instead trusting you, for you didn't give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline. In Your Name, Amen.
Acts 20
The Scripture reading for today is Acts 20. To access this Scripture, click here:
Acts 20:36-38, When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.
There is a lot in this chapter that is worthy to be highlighted but I'm choosing these last several verses. Paul is leaving the elders at the church of Ephesus, people he has worked and preached alongside for quite some time. These are people he has grown to love and who love him dearly. They are brothers and sisters in Christ. They are family. And they know they will never see one another again in this earthly life.
When I was traveling in Germany with my Doctorate cohort in 2018, I met a pretty extraordinary South African couple who dedicated their lives to witnessing to Syrian refugees in some of the most dangerous places on earth. Our little group shared, prayed, laughed, and cried with them. My own life journey is forever changed because of the one day I spent with them. I say all of that to make this point. As we left each other's company that day, we were sad because we knew that chances were we would never see each other again this side of heaven. But, we also rejoiced because we knew that we knew that we would spend eternity together.
I think about this as I read about Paul leaving his dear friends. They know that life circumstances will never allow them to be together again in this world. But friends, we aren't simply citizens of earth, we are citizens of heaven! Our time apart is short compared to the eternity we will spend together in heaven. I try to remember this when I officiate a funeral of a loved brother or sister in Christ. Yes, it is very painful to say good-bye. We miss them. But if we know Jesus, then it isn't really good-bye. It's simply "See ya later! Hasta la vista! Till we meet again!" The pain and sadness are real. We must acknowledge that. But we can trust that God will turn our mourning into dancing. Thank you, Jesus!
Let's pray...Lord Jesus, we thank you that we can know that we know that this world is not all there is. Because of your saving work on the cross, we can spend eternity with you and with other saints who have gone before us. We are so grateful, Lord, that you can take our tears and sadness and turn them into joy. Help us keep a heavenly perspective, Lord. In Your Name, Amen.
Acts 19
Daily SOAP at New Hope: Acts 19
The Scripture reading for today is Acts 19. To access this Scripture, click here:
Acts 19: 23-27, About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows:
“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province. Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
Paul's extended time in Ephesus has obviously made a huge impact on the region. Many people are coming to know Jesus, miracles are happening, and people are no longer participating in the local idol worship. They aren't buying the trinkets! Interestingly, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus was considered, in its final form, to be one of the seven wonders of the world. It was extraordinary feat of how human beings can create beautiful idols to try to replace the one true God. If the worship of Artemis had been fulfilling and life-giving, then the Ephesian businessmen would have had nothing to worry about. But the worship of idols, two thousand years ago and today, always leaves one feeling empty and wanting. Paul preached the Word of God, taught about the salvation and abundant life that comes from walking with Jesus, and created a community of people who loved God and each other. That was attractive to people who were desperate for something more.
I can't help but relate this same scenario to our society today. What/Who are our modern Temples of Artemis? Which idols have we sought after, leaving us feeling empty and wanting more from life? Just a reminder: Jesus is still in the business of transforming hearts and lives! Who in your life needs to know the abundant life that only comes from a living relationship with Jesus? Who needs to experience a community of Christians who will love and accept them as they are?
Let's pray...Holy God, we have always lived in a world that turns away from you and worships idols of stone, material things, money, power, and fame. But as much as we seek after these things, they never lead us to a place of contentment, joy, and peace like you do. God, if we have allowed idols to creep into our hearts and lives, please allow us to discern that, to be aware. And if there are people that we know who need to hear about a different way of doing life, walking hand in hand with a loving God, then please provide opportunities for us to share what it means to know you. Give us courage to share our own stories, Lord, with those who need to know what it means to live life abundantly. We love you, Jesus. Amen.