DESIRING TO BE WITH JESUS, LIVING NOW FOR OTHERS
When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 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.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” —Acts 21:12-14
I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison. —Acts 22:4
“‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’” —Acts 22:19-20
Paul, when he was Saul, “persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison.” He had many people put to death. Of himself he said, “these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.” Yes, Saul, had many followers of Jesus put to death.
But now, as Paul, Agabus prophesied of him— “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’” (Acts 21:11). The believers tried to persuade Paul from going to Jerusalem where this would happen. But after hearing this, Paul said, “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.” After his response, “When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’”
Paul was willing to suffer the same fate as those he had himself had executed— for believing and proclaiming our Lord Jesus. This is no surprise. He had previously said, “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Philippians 1:23). Did you hear that? He’d rather die and be with Jesus which is far better than being here. But he went on to say, “but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:24-25). As long as it is “necessary” that he live here, it was for the “progress and joy in the faith” of others. Dear Father, may this be my attitude. As long as I live here, may it be for the joy and progress in the faith of others. Yes, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. All for Your honor and glory! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-816LEY-F9U&list=RD-816LEY-F9U&start_radio=1