Scripture
22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
25 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.
Reflection
I love Indiana Jones’ movies. Our hero, Indiana Jones, finds out about an ancient relic (often Biblical) and then sets out on an adventure to procure the mystical artifact. The Nazi’s always show up because they just do. Indiana knows it, but he still embarks on a journey halfway across the world. The task at hand is great, but the prize is greater. You have to admire Paul at this point in the journey. He’s been all over Asia and the Mediterranean, had multiple squabbles, broke up with his best ministry friend and imprisoned. By this point, Paul has seen so much opposition to his task that it would have been completely ok to call it a day and thank him for his service to advancing the Gospel. And yet, the Apostle Paul still continued on. Under the compulsion of the Holy Spirit and the knowledge of the greatest news the world has ever heard, that being of God’s grace, he still continued on knowing full well of the dangers waiting him. The task at hand is great, but the prize is greater. It’s not easy being a follower of Christ at times…a lot of the times, it seems. We live in a world that seems to be at complete odds with our task of sharing the Good news. But I would like to encourage you that the prize is greater. There is a good ending to this race. Jesus is worth it (Josh).
Thoughts for the day
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Follow the ACTS acronym in prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (Asking)
