Warnings, Urgings, and God’s Calling

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 21:1-25

 

Acts 21:13

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.”

(NKJV)

 

The transformation occurring in the Life of the Apostle Paul is a testimony of the mercy and Grace of God. Paul went from the extreme of one persecuting and killing believers in Jesus Christ to one willing to die for his belief in Jesus Christ. His commitment to his calling to take the Gospel to the Gentiles is foundational to the Gospel going to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). As we continue to pray for revival in the world, we must search our hearts to determine if we have the same level of commitment as the Apostle Paul.

 

After leaving the Ephesian elders, who were sorrowful at no longer seeing Paul (Acts 20:36-38), he begins his journey to Jerusalem, stopping at Tyre for the ship to unload its cargo (Acts 21:1-3). While in Tyre, Paul, and those with him sought out the disciples there and spent seven days with them, with them urging Paul through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4). Then time came for Paul to leave, with all of the disciples in Tyre, including their wives and children, accompanying him outside the city, where they all knelt down and prayed on the beach (Acts 21:5). After saying goodbye to each other, Paul, and those with him boarded the ship with the others going home (Acts 21:6).

 

After leaving Tyre, they landed at Ptolemais, greeting the brothers and sisters there and staying for one day (Acts 21:7). They left the next day for Caesarea, staying at the house of Philip the evangelist who had four unmarried daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:8-9). After many days in Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus came from Judea, took Paul’s belt, tied his hands with it, and prophesied that the man who owned the belt would be bound in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles (Acts 21:10-11). The people responded by pleading with Paul not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:12). Paul responded by asking them why they were weeping and breaking his heart for he was ready to be not only bound but to also die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13). When they were unable to dissuade Paul, they gave up, asking that the Lord’s will be done (Acts 21:14). After this, Paul, and those with him departed for Jerusalem, accompanied by disciples from Caesarea, bringing them to the home of Mnason, a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples (Acts 21:15-16).

 

Paul and those with him were received warmly upon arriving in Jerusalem, and the next day they went to see James and the elders (Acts 21:17-18). Paul then gave them a report on what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry (Acts 21:19). Upon hearing this James and the elders praised God and told Paul that many thousands of Jews have believed and are zealous for the law (Acts 21:20). These Jews have been told that Paul tells the Jews living among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to live according to Jewish customs (Acts 21:21). Not knowing what to do when they find out Paul is in Jerusalem, they tell him that four men from among them have made a vow (Acts 21:22-23). The plan is to have Paul join them in their purification rites and pay their expenses as a way of showing them what they have heard reported is untrue (Acts 21:24). As for the Gentiles, they remind Paul that they were told to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, blood, the meat of strangled animals, and sexual immorality (Acts 21:25).

 

After his conversion, Paul has been ministering in obedience to God and the leading of the Holy Spirit; he followed the leading of the Spirit in going to Macedonia after receiving a vision from the Lord (Acts 16:6-10). Now, the Holy Spirit compels Paul to go to Jerusalem, where he knows he will face prison and hardships. However, he considers his life worth nothing and only desires to finish the task the Lord Jesus has given him (Acts 20:22-24). Well-meaning people who love Paul in Tyre and Caesarea warn Paul not to go with church leaders in Jerusalem, urging him to take a vow in the temple to show he has not abandoned his Jewish roots. Paul loves those warning him and trying to protect him, but will not be deflected from carrying out his calling from God.

 

I want to urge everyone reading this to search their hearts and determine if they are like Paul, fully committed to the calling of God in their lives. What if our calling leads us to something unpopular with family or friends; will we remain committed? What if following God’s calling leads to leaving our financial security and stepping out in faith, trusting God to take care of us; will we remain committed to our calling? What if following God’s calling leads to something that places our lives in danger; will we remain committed? God’s calling in one’s life is part of His plan for them; it may not always lead to one being a pastor or teacher (James 3:1), but in that calling we can minister to others and be part of God’s plan.

 

God’s plan for everyone begins with them coming to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). I want to urge everyone reading this who has not repented of their sins to take this first step to fulfilling God’s plan for their lives by praying with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

 

Just as the name of Jesus is not some magical word, this prayer is not some magical prayer, but it must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.