S. Acts 21:13-14 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
O. In movies or stories we like watching our heroes facing tough choices because we know that life rarely presents simple options. We almost always must make a choice between alternatives with competing virtues i.e. the selfish choice vs the selfless choice. Peter also teaches that Christians should choose to do good even when we suffer (1Peter 3:17). In today’s passage, the disciples chose God’s will over comfort or peace.
a) Prophesies against Paul (1-11) Despite the heartfelt pleas of the Christians of Tyre, Paul and his group did not turn away from going to Jerusalem. He was persuaded it was God’s will. Agabus, a prophet. even gave a more specific prophecy about Paul. He took Paul's belt and bound his own hands and feet and communicated the powerful illustration of Paul’s arrest and delivery to the Gentiles.
b) Paul acceptance of the prophecies (12-13) Paul's response to the prophecy was consistent with his position all along. Paul asked (in verse 13), "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." This reminds us of Jesus’ willingness to go to Jerusalem and died for our sins.
c) The disciples knew the will of The Lord must be done (14) As the Spirit had repeatedly warned that there would be trouble in Jerusalem, the disciples urged Paul not to go. But Paul was resolute about witnessing, preaching, and suffering for Christ in Jerusalem. Finally, the disciples reached the conclusion that the will of God overrode their concern for Paul. They came to terms with this and let him go.
A. Paul knew he had to be true to the leading of the Spirit even he knew he would be arrested and bound in Jerusalem. But he also knew God was in control. So when God reveals His will to Paul, he would gladly do it. Today if we want to be blessed by God we should obey willingly, and cheerfully. For it is better to suffer than not to do His will.
P. Lord, I am sorry that I choose comfort over obedience at times. May Your Spirit give us courage and strength to walk in Your will each day even if it means suffering.


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