"Safety First" Christianity? July 27 Readings: 2 Chronicles 17-18, Acts 21:1–16, Psalm 88:11–18, Proverbs 18:19–20

Links to July 27 Readings: 2 Chronicles 17-18, Acts 21:1–16, Psalm 88:11–18, Proverbs 18:19–20

It is a confusing exchange. Paul, based on a direct leading from God's Holy Spirit, was headed to Jerusalem to proclaim Christ, knowing that it was going to get difficult there. He knew that he would be arrested and taken to Rome.

But along the way, as Paul traveled back to Jerusalem from Asia Minor, the Spirit also sent two different people or groups of people to warn him about the trip. First, when he landed at Tyre, a group of disciples under the guidance of the Spirit warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Then, when his group debarked at Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus warned him he would be bound and made captive. The local believers tried every means they could think of to convince Paul to turn aside from his plans.

Paul ignored them all and went to Jerusalem, where everything the people warned him about came true. What a fool Paul was, right? Warned repeatedly that danger was ahead, he failed to turn aside and ended up in prison. If only he had listened to those who warned him!

Or, maybe Paul understood something important. Maybe he knew something that many have forgotten.

Following God's leading and doing God's work is no guarantee of ease, comfort or the freedom from trouble. 

Many Christians believe that being a faithful follower of Jesus ought to protect them from the kind of hardship into which the Spirit led Paul. God would never lead us to a place where we would come to harm, right? God would never ask us to suffer, would he?

The great servants of the Bible understood that the opposite is true. God often led his faithful followers into the greatest danger. Some came through it miraculously while others died for the name of Christ.

Paul understood this and he went where God sent him, even if it meant half a decade in Roman custody. His purpose was to preach Christ regardless of the response or the consequences. He did not agree to serve Christ as long as he was safe and secure. For Paul, living was Christ and if he died in the process, he counted that gain.

Father, may I follow you wherever you lead and do the work you have for me, regardless of the response of others or the sacrifice it requires.