Day 355 "What About Paul's Companions?"

 

Passage: Acts 21:15-16

 

After this, we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

 

Devotion:

 

Paul was a very determined man. Despite numerous warnings regarding impending peril and disaster, he was committed and therefore began preparing for the trip to Jerusalem. But what about his men and traveling companions--what did they think about his decision? Could it be that Paul was putting their lives at risk as well? Didn't they have a say in the matter as well?

 

If it were my group of friends, someone would have said, "You know you've been wrong before. Remember that time when we banged our heads trying to get into Asia, just because you wanted to go there--but the Lord had a different plan."

 

Someone else would have chimed in, "That's right, and don't forget the road to Damascus. You thought you were doing the right thing persecuting Christians, until the Lord appeared before you in person to tell you different."

 

"Let's vote, all in favor, Aye! All opposed, Nay!"

 

Somehow I don't think it went like that. Our passage today simply states, "After this, we got ready and went up to Jerusalem." It doesn't sound like there was a whole lot of discussion or disagreement, does there? Why? I think Paul's friends and companions had seen God do so many amazing things both through Paul and yes, even in spite of him, that they were fully submitted to allow God to do His will through their trip to Jerusalem as well--despite all the warnings to the contrary. In other words, "We're all on board. Let see how the Lord plays it all out." That my friends is the key to joyful Christian living--believing and trusting: "The Lord's will be done!"

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

In our passage today we see Paul's companions willingly supporting the trip to Jerusalem--"The Lord's will be done". There are so many great scriptures related to these types of situations, but one of my favorites is Psalm 145:14-15, "The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down." Are you bowed down? Have you submitted to the Lord's will? Is your response--"The Lord's will be done"?