April 24, 2024
Pastor Darin Youngberg
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Daily Bread
Posted on Wednesday, November 01, 2017 by Bro_D
Daily Bread Nov. 1, 2017
Acts 21:10-14 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. (11) And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" (12) When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. (13) Then Paul answered, "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." (14) And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done."
Can you imagine, a known prophet (this guy Agabus also gave a prophecy in Acts 11) coming to you and giving the news that you would be bound and delivered to the government? We know this was a prophetic word detailing Paul’s eventual arrest and imprisonment by the Roman government. I would bet that most if not all of us would have the same response as Luke and the rest of the band of Paul’s disciples. Jesus made it clear that His disciples would face great trials and persecutions – for His Name’s sake. Most of the New Testament books tell us that suffering will take place in the life of each believer --- suffering for the sake of the Kingdom, not suffering because we make stupid choices.
Many of us plan for vacations. We make plans for retirement. We make plans to celebrate holiday and birthdays. But, do we prepare to suffer for the sake of the Kingdom? If one were to read Luke 14: 26-28, Mathew 10: 37-39, Mathew 19: 28-30 or Mark 10: 29-31, then you would find that Jesus gives us clear instruction to do just that … be prepared to sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom. We make sacrifices for those things / people we deem worthy. Is the Kingdom of Heaven worthy of your sacrifice?
Paul tells these folks who are worrying about his safety to stop crying – it breaks his heart to see people with such little faith and knowledge of the power and will of God. It reminds of a testimony given at FBCO a few weeks back when a young lady shared about her mambi-pambi prayer life! Can you imagine the power of God that would be displayed through the church if we all were ready to not only be imprisoned, but were ready to die for the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ! I have included a link to a video that I think may just change the life of the church … if we were to let it…. https://www.persecution.com/idop/?_play_video=Y I encourage you to watch it. It is an real life example of what Paul was prepared to do.