ESOCS Devotional 14 October
TEXT: ACTS 21:1-14 KJV
MEMORY VERSE: “…: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus …” Acts 5:40 KJV
The lot of evangelical crusaders through the ages has never been like a bed of roses. Even in the face of martyrdom and all manners of frightful threats, they forged ahead, undeterred. Stephen, the first Christian martyr was brutally stoned to death for his faith (Acts 7: 59). John the Baptist was cruelly beheaded (Mark 6:14), James, the brother of John was killed by Herod with the sword (Acts 12:2). The history of the death of all the apostles has no less to communicate. Yet the evangelical apostles moved on – undaunted.
In our text today, even two-time warnings – through visions and prophecy (Vs. 4, 10-12), could not stop Paul from going to Jerusalem. Not even the weeping, coaxing or cajoling of the brethren could help matters. Paul must go to Jerusalem for the sake of the gospel of Christ.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
In Acts Chapter 5, Peter and some other apostles were beaten up like children, and asked not to speak concerning Jesus. Yet, the following day, they were seen in the Synagogues preaching. They experienced all manners of maltreatment, including unlawful imprisonment, all to no purpose. Are you an evangelical crusader, learn to be bold and unruffled, like the apostles of old.
CHALLENGES
- All manners of things were done to the apostles and disciples to stop them from preaching and teaching about Jesus, but nothing could stop them. What is it that will stop or deter you? Is it hunger, persecution, lack, others. Beware!
PRAYER POINT
- The record of 1 Kings 19 indicates that God was disappointed in Elijah for shying away into a cave in Horeb. Lord give me thy grace to stand firm, even in the face of grave danger, especially realizing that you are ever there for me. Amen
FURTHER READING: 2 Kings 13:12-25; 14:1-14; Galatians 2:11-21; 3:1-15
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ESOCS Devotional 14 October
