Today’s Reading, Acts 21-23
Focal Scripture: Acts 21:13 “Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Complete devotion and focus is very difficult to achieve in one’s personal life. The reason it is difficult for most people is because it requires a single mindedness that is hard to achieve. You see this mindset with individuals who are at the top of their profession. It doesn’t matter if it athletics or job related. A person who knows what they want to accomplish and are willing to sacrifice almost everything to succeed, is hard to beat.
In today’s reading Paul receives friends. They are concerned about him and he sees that their care for him is having him think about their feelings instead of his mission. So he tells them that he is willing to be bound for preaching Christ. Then he declares that not just bound for preaching but also to die for proclaiming Christ to the people. He is willing to die for what he believes.
So what about you? Do you have a single minded focus on Jesus? If not, I encourage you to try that passion for Jesus. This can happen in a few ways. First, you surrender your will to the Lord. Next, you spend purposeful time in prayer. Finally, you have to know how the Lord has gifted you to share his message. This in not an exhaustive list but it will get you started to find out if your passionate about the Lord and his mission.
It has been my experience that many people like the thought of being all in until it cost them something. When you are all in for Jesus it will cost you a lot. However, the rewards are greater than anything you may lose, and that includes your life. I hope and pray that my decisions are based on following Christ above everything else in my life. I want to serve him even if it means my death.
Do you have the same mindset? Following Jesus requires radical obedience. It demands complete devotion and single mindedness. Why? Because the stakes are higher than anywhere else in society. Be different and be willing to bring everyone to Jesus.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Acts 24-26
