Tuesday 5 Nov 2013

Tuesday Reading: Acts 21:10-14

Key Verse: Acts 21:13
13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Devotion:
I really do marvel at the courage and faith of the apostles! I look at what I am willing to give up and then see how far short I fall when I see what they have already given up and what they were willing to give up… which all points to the amazing love that Christ showed us by giving up so much more than that!

It is easy to say that we will give things up for a good cause, but to be able to stick to the words that came out of our mouths is a different matter. When we are faced with the physical danger or torment that comes our way when we try to fulfil our words, we cave in most of the time and try to find an easy way out. I have learned the hard way that giving up and looking for a short cut or easy way out is just not going to please God. He will continue knocking on our doors until we are willing to listen and to do what is right!

Jonah found out in a very extreme way that God means what He says. Paul was willing to go that extra mile because he had realised just how much Christ had done for him. When we grasp the significance of all that Christ has done by giving His life, we too should be willing to do what it takes to please God. Don’t start panicking and running in the other direction already! God is not going to ask each one of us to get bound up and tortured! All He may ask us to do is to be good and faithful servants, working for Him… but we must be willing, not just do it because it is our duty, but willing to do it without murmuring!

I think back on the times when I used to complain like mad when my parents told me to tidy my room or do my homework. Maybe that is why they went grey quickly! Imagine what it is like for Christ when He asks us time and time again… “Will you read your bible?” “Will you obey my law?” “Will you help your parents?” “Will you smile from the inside?”

Points to Ponder:
Are you able?

Are you willing?