Do you know someone who made a decision to follow God's marching orders, even when that God-given calling wasn't one others thought they should pursue? What about those who answered God's calling on their lives to serve in law enforcement or the military?
Similarly, the apostle Paul was determined to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading even when those closest to him -- including people he greatly respected and esteemed -- warned him of the dire consequences he could face in doing so.
Acts 21 begins with Paul's journey to Jerusalem via Ephesus to Tyre in Syria, where he sought out the believers there (Paul gives us a great example to follow in seeking out the fellowship of other Christians wherever he traveled). Paul's team, believing they were acting "
through the Spirit," warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem, fearing for his safety (see v. 4). It was also another emotional goodbye that included children (this is the first time children were mentioned in the church). Of course, what we find here is that these well-intended brethren misinterpreted the Holy Spirit's warning to mean Paul should not go when in fact the message was "GO -- but understand you're going into harm's way!
Two days later, they came to Caesarea. Ironically Paul's host there was Philip, the evangelist who had been the Stephen's (the martyr) partner in ministry, and his four prophetic daughters (a genuine fulfillment of
Joel 2:28). Ironic? Let's not forget that Paul -- then as Saul -- oversaw the Stephen's execution!
While at Philip's home, the prophet Agabus came from Judah. In a dramatic gesture, he took Paul's belt, which was a long piece of cloth that he could wrap around himself several times.
Tying himself up hands and feet, Agabus rightly (meaning he was truly Spirit-led) prophesied: "This is what the Holy Spirit says: The Jews in Jerusalem are going to tie up the man who owns this belt just like this and hand him over to godless unbelievers" (v. 11, The Message). Here we find that Agabus delivered a truly Holy Spirit-led prophesy of what would happen to Paul in Jerusalem!
Again the believers repeatedly begged him not to go. They valued and loved him; however, they incorrectly concluded their prophecies were a prohibition rather than a "heads up" warning.
Praise God, these well-intended warnings didn't budge Paul. "
What are you doing, weeping, and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus," Paul insisted (v. 13, ESV). It was akin to Dispatch warning us not to go to s hot call because it was going to be dangerous. Yes, we take note of the warning, but we still go (and we must do the same in response to our Lord's "calls for service").
Their correct response (and what should be ours)? "
Let the will of the Lord be done" (v. 14).
Like Paul's disciples, we can often draw conclusions for our friends and loved ones out of our own discernment instead of seeking out the Word and the Holy Spirit's direction? How many of our parents, spouses and friends finally come to grips with our own calling(s) to serve in dangerous professions such as law enforcement or the military?
My prayer for us is that, like Paul, we too will seek and be obedient to the Lord's callings on lives, regardless of the risks or consequences. Brethren, God is calling us to go into harm's way with the Gospel regardless of the consequences. Let us be willing to obediently exclaim, "Let the will of the Lord be done!"
I encourage you to dig deeper by exploring the excellent verse-by-verse commentary on this chapter by Pastor David Guzik's: Study Guide for Acts 21.
Finally, lets not forget that Paul was able to "trust and obey" not through anything he could do on his own but rather because he opted to act under the power of the Holy Spirit. Accordingly, it is again vital that we understand that this power is available only to those who have entered into a genuine, born again relationship with God in Christ. Is that you? If not, consider the following:
