Read the Book: January - MarchSample

Week 9

Acts 21

On to Jerusalem

Have you ever faced something on the horizon, knowing that things would not go well no matter what you did? Many times, doing the right thing is a painful journey to experience. In Acts 21, the Holy Spirit prophetically warned Paul about his impending trials. What lay ahead was arrest and betrayal, but on to Jerusalem he went anyway—doing the “right thing.”

Following Jesus doesn’t mean smooth sailing or a comfortable life. On the contrary, until our will becomes so closely aligned with God’s, obeying God can upset our personal plans and ambitions. But what’s confounding about this story is the source of Paul’s adversity. We see so-called Jewish believers trying to kill Paul, all because the gospel he preached seemed so radical. They could not see that Paul refused to add anything to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jewish customs were fine—but only as a tutor to show humanity’s need for a Redeemer.

It just goes to show that the greatest threat to the gospel sometimes comes not from outsiders, but from insiders. Many times it’s adherents to “religion” that stand in the way of sinners to Jesus. Historically speaking, even what we call “heretics” were usually insiders who threatened to subvert and disrupt biblical teaching.

Have you ever experienced betrayal from the hand of someone whom you least expected? These experiences can lead to profound confusion or disillusionment. Our faith, hope, or love can slowly start to fade. Being obedient to God often invites this treatment. What will keep you marching onward to your Jerusalem? Adversity shouldn’t surprise us. And though knowing doesn’t make it easier, we do stand in the company of gospel saints who have gone ahead of us.

Family Connection: Who is someone you know that is brave? What does it mean to be brave? The Bible teaches us that we can be brave BECAUSE God is always with us! Sometimes He asks us to go or to do something that might be hard or scary. But we can obey God and do what He says because God promises to always be with us! And God ALWAYS keeps His promises!