SATURDAY November 4, 2023
Heartfelt Prayer
When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.
Acts 21:5-6
The Gospel had spread rapidly. The number of Christians had multiplied to hundreds and thousands across the known world. As Paul and Luke traveled, they met other brethren, and the Lord opened the door for them to stay with these brethren seven days. These men were deeply concerned for Paul and were committed to praying for his ministry. The brethren told Paul through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4).
Through the brethren, the Holy Spirit spoke divinely. Was God contradicting Himself? No, He was actually confirming His will to Paul. God was not trying to discourage him from going to Jerusalem. He was going no matter what! Remember, God had previously spoken to Paul about the chains and tribulation awaiting him. He was obeying the Holy Spirit’s leading. Paul was bound in his spirit to go (Acts 20:22-23).
The brethren and their families accompanied Paul and Luke to the ship. Even though these Christians did not see each other all the time, they genuinely loved Paul and cared about what happened to him. What a beautiful picture we have as these Christian families walked together with Paul and Luke. Before they bid them farewell, they knelt down on the sandy shore and prayed. There was nothing but divine love between them.
You and I should have the same divine love for one another. We are not just to come to church and listen to a sermon; we are to build relationships with one another. This happens as we have a closer communion with each other in fellowship. From among us, when people are called to go on the mission field to plant another church, the elders, leadership and congregation will bless them and pray for them as they go on their way.
Prayer is the mighty engine that is to move the missionary work.
~A. B. Simpson~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
