Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 5

January 5;   Acts 21:13;   5/260(II);   ‘Worth Dying For’

 Acts 21:13 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."

Paul was at, and stayed in Caesarea, at the home of Philip the evangelist.  Paul and his companions stayed there many days.  A prophet named Agabus came down from Judea and came to Philip’s home.  Agabus took Paul’s belt and bound his hands and feet.  Then Agabus prophesied that Paul would be bound in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles.  When those in Philip’s home heard this prophecy, they pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  Paul was greatly moved by the pleading and the tears of those who told him not to go to Jerusalem.  But Paul did not let what was said or their tears, dissuade him from doing what he believed the Lord would have him do and that was to go to Jerusalem.  Paul simply stated to those in Philip’s home that he was ready to be bound in Jerusalem and even die if necessary.  Paul was led by the Holy Spirit and was determined to fulfill the perfect will of the Lord for his life regardless of the price he had to pay.  He had no fear of death and considered physical death gain (Philippians 1:21).  Years ago missionaries once they knew where the Lord wanted them to go, to evangelize the lost, packed their belongings in coffins.  They did that because that was the only way that they were coming home, in the coffin.  Once a man or a woman become Born Again and desire to serve the Lord and fulfill His will for their lives, no price is too high to pay.  It is an honor to do the work of Jesus and if it means to eventually ‘pay the ultimate price,’ so be it.  I never thought I would ever feel that way about anything.  The Lord Jesus changes everything for the better.