Be Still and Know Daily Bible Devotion - September 10th - Acts 21:13

Acts 21:13 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.” There was no stopping Paul! He was absolutely determined to go to Jerusalem, and no one was able to stand in his way. That’s not to say they didn’t try. When he arrived in Tyre in Syria, he spent a week with the believers there and they prophesied that he shouldn’t go to Jerusalem. Some days later, he went down the coast to the important city of Caesarea, where he met a man named Agabus who had the gift of prophecy. He dramatically took hold of Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands with it. He then declared that the owner of the belt would be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and then turned over to the Gentiles. Upon hearing this, everyone begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. But he wouldn’t be stopped. If risk assessments had existed in Paul’s day, he would undoubtedly have been told that it was much too risky to head to Jerusalem. But Paul’s mind was made up, and off he went, believing that he was acting in obedience to the Lord. We all face risks in life, and this incident emphasises that there is something far more important than risk: being obedient to Christ. I am convinced that we should always live responsibly and be aware of potential risks, but Paul reminds us that obeying the Lord is what really matters, however risky it might be. Question What risks have you taken in your Christian life? Prayer Lord God, help me to be willing to be obedient to You, whatever the cost. Amen