Courage To Finish The Task
BRD REFLECTIONS
Acts 21:1-26 and Psalm 109 (NIV)
(Marcia Quah, Member, Field Development Team, Missions Committee)
READ:
Acts 21:1-26 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Paul tore himself away from the Elders and committed them to God. It was a difficult farewell, as he had poured out his life for the Gentile believers. It marked the end of Paul’s third and last missionary journey. He chose to travel by ship, as it reduced the travelling time significantly. By this time, he had received repeated warnings that he would face hardship and imprisonment if he went to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-24). He knew that he would be persecuted. The prophet Agabus (also Acts 11:28) came from Judea, and prophesied that Paul would be bound by his own belt and handed over to the Gentiles by the Jewish leaders. The believers tried to dissuade him, however, Paul was unyielding. He was ready to be bound and to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.
In Jerusalem, Paul reported to James and the Elders the good work that God had done among the Gentiles. James shared that they faced challenges from the Jewish believers, as Paul was reported to have instructed the Gentiles to turn away from the Law of Moses. Paul agreed to go with four men who had made a vow, paid for the expenses and joined in the purification rites. He showed his respect and obedience to the Law of Moses without contradicting His work among the Gentiles. By his act, Paul reconciled both the Jews and the Gentiles as One Body of Believers.
APPLY:
- Be ready to do God’s will:
Paul was exemplary in his obedience to God. I would follow his example in following God’s leading, even if it would cost me something. Doing God’s will may be inconvenient and costly, but it is a worthy cause.
- Be courageous to share God’s Word in the midst of opposition:
Paul preached fearlessly in various places. He had great successes, but also hardship and opposition. He was thrown into prison multiple times. I would be courageous to share the gospel in the midst of challenges.
- Be ready to lay down one’s life in the course of carrying out God-given assignments:
Paul considered his life worth nothing and focussed on completing the race. While it may not cost me my life, I may need to lay down my ambition, lifestyle and priorities, so God’s given assignment may be accomplished.
- Be discerning and sensitive:
Paul respected and obeyed the law of Moses as a Jew. However, it does not contradict His work among the Gentiles. I would be sensitive and discerning to God’s leading in important matters, so that His greater purposes may be accomplished.
DO:
I will follow God’s leading and recognise the assignment that He has for me. It may be as simple as showing kindness to a colleague or a friend, or sharing the gospel in the missions field. I would not shrink back, even if it is inconvenient and costly. I will be single-minded in my pursuit and not let well-meaning family members and friends dissuade me.
PRAY:
Dear Abba Father, I thank you for guiding me in your purposes. I desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Grant me a heart of love, and use me to share the good news of Christ. I will not let the influence and fear of man hinder me in my task. I consider my life worth nothing, and aim to finish the race that God has given me. Amen.
