Not Moved
February 23, 2022·Brian Majors
Acts 20:22-24 (NKJV):
“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.”
As we come to the end of Black History Month, remembering the men and women who fought and died for injustice everywhere, I’m also reminded of the Apostle Paul, who clearly gave up his life for Jesus and the Good News of God’s Grace.
In this passage of Acts, Paul requested the elders of the church in Ephesus to come and spend time with him as he was passing through en route to Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost. Something he says in this address captured me, when talking about his hardships, trials, even his life, “none of these things move me…” It’s encouraging to know that not even Paul was moved by all he encountered, and he encountered tremendous trials and persecution. His own life didn’t hold much weight compared to the Gospel and God’s calling.
The ability to look past his own life must have come from a deep understanding of God’s grace; an understanding that His grace is bigger than anything, more important than his own life, and there is also JOY… JOY to finish the race, JOY afforded to those who serve Jesus Christ.
I’m encouraged how aware Paul was of the life Jesus had called him to live, even more so, of the specific leading of the Holy Spirit. There was a deep understanding of his call; he even accepted the hard facts of imprisonment. Some of us struggle a lot with Jesus’ call on our life, even more so, how the Holy Spirit is leading us in our day-to-day lives.
Therefore, my two big questions for you are…
- What has Jesus called you to do for Him?
And,
- In what way is the Holy Spirit leading you, what is the Spirit’s warning or encouragement to you today?
Pastor Brian Majors
