Scripture
8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”
12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 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.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
Reflection
In these couple of verses we read about two accounts where individuals operated in the spiritual gift of prophesy. This should not be a surprise to the reader since it was here in Caesarea where the gospel was first preached to the Gentiles and it was not shortly after that all who was present was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:1, 44). These events also took place to further fulfill Joel 2:28. At first glance these prophecies about Paul might seem ‘depressed’ or even ‘sad’, but through revealing them to Paul and his supporters, God is affirming his constant and continual presence with His believers and that nothing happens without his knowledge and everything turns out ultimately for His glory (Con).
Thoughts for the day
- Even if you don’t always understand the outcome or situation, do you still trust in God and say ‘May the Lord’s will be done?’
- 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
Think of someone you know who could use a little joy in their lives and pray for presence of the Lord to rest on them. “In His presence there is fullness of Joy” Psalm 16:11
