SUNDAY October 24, 2021

The Holy Spirit Testifies

“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Acts 20:22-24

Paul knew his life was coming to an end. The Holy Spirit had already revealed it to him. Paul knew that once he left the Ephesian elders, they would not see his face any more. What was Paul’s attitude to the chains and tribulations that awaited him in Jerusalem? Paul was not concerned. He did not count his life dear to himself. He knew the grace of God had kept him in the past and in the present, and it would carry him through into the future. Paul would finish his race with joy! Notice, the Christian life is a race. We are in a competition, and everyone has to cross the finish line. Are you running, walking or quitting? Be like Paul––finish your race with joy!

Paul received his ministry from the Lord; it was given to him through the grace of God, and Paul would continue to testify of the grace of God to others, no matter what happened to him.

Later, while Paul and his companions stayed in Caesarea at the house of Philip the evangelist, the prophet Agabus confirmed his future arrest:

...a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles’ ” (Acts 21:10-11).

What would you do if the Holy Spirit, through a person, said, “Do not go to this certain place; they are going to kill you!” Some people would probably become frightened and maybe run away, but Paul remained in God’s perfect will, he was on a mission––anointed by God’s Holy Spirit. It is important to finish the race and complete your mission!

If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for him.
~C. T Studd~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!