Read: Acts 21:1-16
Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (v. 13)
Our passage today, which retells some of Paul’s exploits on his second missionary journey, illustrates 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (NRSV). If we plotted out Paul’s travels we would discover that he covered more than 3,000 miles by land and sea. His elevation differential along the way would be well over 3,000 feet. He literally traveled through enemy-occupied territory facing dangers from man and beast all along the way. He endured brutally cold nights and scorching hot days. He doubtless rationed food and water with meticulous care. He labored with all the courage and strength he could summon.
Do we approach our work for Jesus with the same attitude? “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is deeply embedded in our souls, but what about, “Take up your cross, deny yourself, and follow me”? Shouldn’t that be deep within us too? I love these words from a hymn text written by John Bunyan, who also gave us the great spiritual classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress: “He who would valiant be ’gainst all disaster, let him in constancy follow the master. There’s no discouragement shall make him once relent his first avowed intend to be a pilgrim.”
As you pray, ask God to give you courage and grace to follow wherever God leads.
Dr. Timothy Brown is the Henry Bast Professor of Preaching and President Emeritus at Western Theological Seminary where he served from 1995-2021. Tim continues to actively coach and encourage former students and pastors who seek help in their preaching life and he has become a certified public school substitute teacher so that he can continue investing in the lives of young people. He is married to Nancy and together they have three children and ten grandchildren.
