Knowing And Going!

Paul's commitment to the ministry entrusted to him is made very clear in his farewell to the Ephesian elders. There we read. . .

"(22) And now, behold, I AM GOING to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, NOT KNOWING WHAT WILL HAPPEN to me there, (23) except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. (24) But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, IF ONLY I MAY FINISH MY COURSE AND THE MINISTRY that I received from the Lord Jesus, TO TESTIFY TO THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD." ( Acts 20:22-24 ESV)

Though there were those who pled with Paul not to go to Jerusalem ( Acts 21:12), he was set on going. He had A MISSION. He would not be detoured. While for many it is the "not knowing" that can keep them from going, it was not the case with Paul. He was so committed to SHARING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS, that he could not be restrained from going. ( Acts 21:14) With Paul, you could chain the man, but not the message. ( 2 Timothy 2:9) Except for his chains, Paul desired that all within the sound of his voice would become like him; a Christian. ( Acts 26:29) Knowing how important it was for others to hear the MESSAGE OF SALVATION IN CHRIST, Paul was willing to have his life used in whatever way necessary to the very end. It was not his own personal life that was dear to him, but the LIFE IN CHRIST for Him and everyone else who would listen to him TESTIFY TO THE GOSPEL that was of greatest value.

It is the knowing what is truly most significant in life that can keep us going forward whether we know what awaits us in this life or not. May the SALVATION IN CHRIST and the GRACE OF GOD we have come to know, powerfully compel us onward in living that truth and sharing it with others wherever this life takes us.

Have a great day SURRENDERED TO CARRYING OUT THE MESSAGE AND WILL OF CHRIST!
Carl

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