Feb 13 2009 Lev 20-22, Acts 20

Scripture
And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:22-24

Observation
Paul had spent three years in Ephesus teaching and building up the church. He left and spent the winter in Corinth and is now on his way to Jerusalem. He sends for the elders of the church and he proceeds to give them his last words and he tells them that he will never see them again.

Can you imagine their response? All of his friends begging him not to go. They pleaded with them that he should not go. These were Christian people telling him that he should not do what God had called him to do. I imagine if He was not tuned into the voice of God in his life he could have very well listened to his well meaning Christian friends.

Application
Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish what God is asking us to do. If we really want to know and will listen, I believe we will eventually hear the answer. The difficult thing is that God does not ask us what is easy or what we want He asks us to do what he knows is best.

Paul was the kind of guy that had a zest for living. I can almost guarantee that Paul didn’t like the idea of dying for his relationship with Jesus. But that’s where the call of God was leading him to go. Paul knew that being a Spirit led follower means carrying a cross not climbing ladders.

The question that is left for me is, what is it that the Spirit is asking me to do? Where does he want me to go? There are a number of good things that could be done in our world but if God is not asking us to do them then we should leave them for something else. We need to concentrate on what God is asking us to do.

Prayer
Father, I want to be so in tune with what you are doing and how the Spirit is leading me that I will know with the same confidence as Paul where you are leading. Then, Lord help me to be surrendered enough to accept your will, wherever that might lead.