Acts 21:27-37
This scene of Paul is a flashback to when Jesus was arrested. The crowd seizing him, the beatings, the uproar to “get rid of him”. Sound familiar? Paul is now experiencing on a smaller level what Jesus went through. Earlier in the chapter, we see the warnings of other believers urging Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Paul goes anyway, even telling them he is ready to die for Jesus and that “The Lord's will be done.” Paul was ready for whatever came next. Sadly, the violence was so great that the soldiers had to carry him out of the crowd from the mob. What was expected to happen to Paul in Jerusalem was indeed unfolding, but Paul was ready, even if it meant death. Jesus warned his disciples in John 15 that if He was persecuted, they too would be persecuted.
Persecution of Christians continues to rise as we get closer to the coming of Christ. It was predicted, and it is expected. Persecution by hate, imprisonment, or violence is still happening today. Many have died a martyr's death by standing up for truth throughout the ages. I love the true story of a man named Nokseng in India who accepted Christ. Upon his conversion, his family was questioned by the tribal leadership there. Angry that the gospel was spreading, they wanted this man and his family killed. They killed his wife and children in front of him, and Nokseng looked at them and said, “I have decided to follow Jesus. Though none go with me, still I will follow.” Then, he was killed too. An absolutely tragic story, but through this man's boldness and last words, we now have the hymn “I have decided to follow Jesus”. A powerful song based on a moment of faith and boldness. Like Paul and Nokseng, we too can handle pushback with purpose. People were watching these men and their stance for truth has been recorded and handed down throughout time to encourage us. As we start a new year, let’s be ready to handle pushback with purpose, every time! Happy New Year!
This scene of Paul is a flashback to when Jesus was arrested. The crowd seizing him, the beatings, the uproar to “get rid of him”. Sound familiar? Paul is now experiencing on a smaller level what Jesus went through. Earlier in the chapter, we see the warnings of other believers urging Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Paul goes anyway, even telling them he is ready to die for Jesus and that “The Lord's will be done.” Paul was ready for whatever came next. Sadly, the violence was so great that the soldiers had to carry him out of the crowd from the mob. What was expected to happen to Paul in Jerusalem was indeed unfolding, but Paul was ready, even if it meant death. Jesus warned his disciples in John 15 that if He was persecuted, they too would be persecuted.
Persecution of Christians continues to rise as we get closer to the coming of Christ. It was predicted, and it is expected. Persecution by hate, imprisonment, or violence is still happening today. Many have died a martyr's death by standing up for truth throughout the ages. I love the true story of a man named Nokseng in India who accepted Christ. Upon his conversion, his family was questioned by the tribal leadership there. Angry that the gospel was spreading, they wanted this man and his family killed. They killed his wife and children in front of him, and Nokseng looked at them and said, “I have decided to follow Jesus. Though none go with me, still I will follow.” Then, he was killed too. An absolutely tragic story, but through this man's boldness and last words, we now have the hymn “I have decided to follow Jesus”. A powerful song based on a moment of faith and boldness. Like Paul and Nokseng, we too can handle pushback with purpose. People were watching these men and their stance for truth has been recorded and handed down throughout time to encourage us. As we start a new year, let’s be ready to handle pushback with purpose, every time! Happy New Year!
Posted in Devotional