The Stubborn Servant
9.18.16
Acts 21:1-16 tells us the story of Paul's travel to Jerusalem and his encounter with believers along the way. In verses 1 to 16 we read of how he is warned numerous times by fellow Christians not to go to Jerusalem or he will face persecution. Paul is stubborn in his trek and proceeds to the Holy City none the less.
Paul is no stranger to being warned by the Holy Spirit on where he should travel. In Acts 16 we read that he is directed by the Spirit:
"Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."
Question: Stubborn or Submissive?
Twice Paul is warned not to go to Jerusalem by people being lead by the Spirit.
Acts 21:4 – “Through the Spirit they [the disciples in Tyre] urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.”
Acts 21:10,11 – “A prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”
Was Paul's actions simply his dogged determination to fulfill God's plan or his own desire to return to his home city? We have all seen those contestants on American Idol or other talent search shows that just know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are the next "big thing"! The rest of us of course know they can't carry a tune in a bucket, but that won't stop them from pursuing that dream. That is determination without discipline, without reality, and without clear understanding of who they are and what they are capable of.
Paul of course knew his calling, his identity, and the risk (see Acts chapter 20). He was secure in who he was and what he was purposed for. We see this in his writings to the church in Rome.
Romans 1:10 – “In my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
Romans 15:24 – “I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.”
In fact, later in Acts 15 Paul asks for prayer as he is preparing to travel to Jerusalem and states that he knows that he will travel only when it is in the fullness of time in Jesus and in the joy of Christ. He is sharing his heart's desire but also recognizing that all things will happen in accordance to God's will.
Paul appears to be demonstrating a stubborn submission to Christ and his will, but a definite determination to stay on the path laid out by God. It is this endurance to the end that helps Paul and us to see the plans of God come to fruition.
Takeaway For The Week
Stubborn steadfastness to Christ produces endurance.
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