Now Is The Time: Acts Youth JourneySample

KILLER SAUL NOW BROTHER PAUL COMES FULL CIRCLE BACK HOME

PRAY:

God, it is incredible how you change people’s lives. I look at my own and I’m amazed at how you changed me. Thank you for forgiving me and saving me. You did it for me, and you will do it for anyone who asks.

READ:

Acts 21.1-40

Paul detours to Tyre and Caesarea before finally arriving in Jerusalem. There he meets with the elders and gives them the details of his ministry, where many had come to faith in Jesus. The issue of Gentiles coming to faith in God has not gone away, even after all of Paul’s hard work, for Paul is accused of telling the Jews who live among the Gentiles to abandon the Law of Moses. This is, of course, not true. To stop those accusations and in-fighting, Paul is asked to visit the temple in Jerusalem and be purified according to Jewish law and customs as a sign that he has not abandoned his faith. Seven days after arriving, Paul is recognized at the temple and a riot breaks out – Paul was about to be killed when Roman soldiers arrived. Immediately, Paul was arrested and put in chains. Paul strikes up a conversation with the commander that arrested him and asks for an opportunity to speak.

REFLECT:

Although Paul knew, through the Holy Spirit, that when he returned to Jerusalem he would meet trouble there, he still followed through. Do you have the courage to follow through on the things God has called you to do?

RESPOND:

Use each opportunity you get to be kind to others. As God gives you courage, gently share what God has done in your life.

I am so lacking in courage, Lord Jesus. I do want to share your Word. Please give me courage and grace to do so.