Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 21:13 KJV
When studying the Word, we know that since the church began, there have been many men and women that have died for their Christian testimonies.
They had a strong desire to tell everyone about what the Word had for them.
They literally chose to die rather than deny their faith in Christ.
Paul is just one of many who knew that there would be those who did not believe.
That there would be those who would desire to see him dead to keep him from doing the work of the Lord.
In this passage, it tells us of one such time (Acts 21:8-13 KJV).
Paul, with his company, had come into Caesarea and entered the house of Philip the Evangelist.
There he was given a warning about the forthcoming troubles.
That way when they had come, it would not be a surprise or bring terror to him.
When he responded with the questioning of the fact that our Master told us to take up the cross, their weeping began to weaken.
He knew he had to do whatever it took to follow the will of the Lord.
Paul told them, “For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13 KJV).
That the Lord’s will was one of wisdom and he was going to do it according to the counsel he was given.
The same holds true in our lives, in our walk with the Lord.
There will always be times when someone questions our faith.
Those are times we must be strong in our loyalty to the Lord.
No matter the troubles that may come our way, we must remain steadfast in the Word.
Not letting anything keep us from doing His will.
Staying prayed up, silencing all our fears with an ‘Amen’ to signify it is done.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, the greatest choice we can make in life is to follow Your lead. Dying daily to fleshly sins and selfish attitudes. Making Christ the example that guides us in the right directions. Making it possible for us to make as much of a sacrifice as He has made for us. Help us to stay strong in our loyalty to living according to the Word. To let nothing stop us from telling of Your goodness to all who will listen. Praying that it will be well received.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen