Acts 21 - Gracious Spirit Please Lead Us

Ok, so onto 21.

We see here Paul and his companions on the move. Paul is on a mission to get to Jerusalem. What’s my mission this week? What’s yours? We see Paul, Luke, and the disciples constantly finding local believers. Don’t miss that Paul was hearing from them. We must listen well. How do we hear how local believers are doing if we don’t spend time together and we don’t ask them? Ask people how they are doing today. And ask your fellow believers what they are hearing from the Holy Spirit.

        In Tyre and Caesarea, the message of prophecy through the Holy Spirit was the same: that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem and that Paul would be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem (v. 4 and 11). Sometimes a message of confirmed adversity is that you are right where God wants you. But be encouraged by this message. God was at work in this ancient story, and He is on the move today. When we follow Father God, He will lead us to other believers. Take a step of faith today. Repent of your sins and tell God you want to follow Him. It’s a new day. A new week. Ask for good, godly fellowship with genuine believers in Jesus Christ. We know that bad company ruins good character. Good company improves our character and helps us become better disciples of Jesus. God will teach us this week, lead us to the companions we need, and let us hear just the right message to move forward with confidence. Confidence to face any challenge.

I’m amazed at how much Paul got done. In ancient times he covered more ground in a week than many of us have in the last three years. Let’s be encouragers on the move, like Paul.

In this passage, the Holy Spirit showed the believers the danger of Paul going to Jerusalem. The threat is not necessarily a sign not to go. The Holy Spirit told the same thing to Paul, but he discerned it as a message to go. This is perplexing. Why get the message if it is not to be heeded? When God teaches us to do His will, it may be clear enough to us that we will stake our lives on it. Or we may need guidance on what direction to take. Often I’ve found myself taking one step at a time. One day at a time. Unsure of the big picture, yet still wholly trusting in God. What’s clear to us may not be apparent to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Tell others about what you see and discern the Holy Spirit telling you. But do not presume to know the Lord’s will for others. Our desire is that the Father’s will be done here on earth. Oh, how we go astray. May God’s gracious Spirit lead us today on a firm footing (Psalm 143:10) and with all the clarity and confidence He chooses to give us.

Like Paul and his companions, may we fear no wicked leaders. And no impossible situation. For God will bring us through the unthinkable.

Father, your will be done. Lord Jesus, thank you for this day. For your creation. For your purposes and your plan of salvation. Please let me know what to say and what not to say today. Please bless my friends and family. Please increase my gifts and effectiveness as a leader. May I lead and serve as you want me to. Amen.