Today’s reading is Acts 21.
“I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
I believe Paul fully thought he was about to walk into Jerusalem and follow the footsteps of his King all the way to a cross. After all, a prophet cannot die except in Jerusalem, right? (See Luke 13:33). And Paul was ready. Why? Because Jesus had resolutely walked into Jerusalem ready to die for Paul. Turnabout is fair play, don’t you think? Paul did. Paul had once fought against Jesus, but he had been conquered, taken captive, and enslaved to the greatest Master he could ever know. In a shocking turn of events and emotions, he was excited to be a captive of Jesus Christ. He never once called himself a prisoner of Caesar. He always called himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ. And he was happy to follow Jesus right to his own death. I pray God will strengthen me to be ready to face whatever the enemy throws my way. Jesus was ready to die for me, I want to be ready to do so for Him.
Today’s reading is Acts 21.
A Word for Our Kids
Hey kids, I guess this is one of those times I need to remind you what Christianity really is. Christianity is not a walk in the park. Christianity is not a pleasant social club that has weekly get-togethers and fun outings. Christianity is not a self-help technique that simply makes us better people. Christianity is allegiance to a King. And our King set the stage for us by going to the cross. Paul understood what it meant to walk in His footsteps. We aren’t signing up for the Boy Scouts or the Girl Scouts here. We are enlisting in an army; we are enrolling in a cause; we are engaging in a war. It will take sacrifice. We will have enemies. And some of us will be injured and even die in the battle. Yet, if we stay on the Lord’s side, we will all come out on the other side more than alive and more than conquerors. Christianity isn’t for the faint of heart. But I pray that Christianity is for you, because our King is the only victor! Praise the Lord!
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