Daily Reading

Acts 21:1-36; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 11:9-11

This reading may be a little confusing, because Paul is warned several times not to go to Jerusalem, but he is steadfast in his committment to go. Is he disobeying the Holy Spirit? No, check out verse 14, "The Lord's will be done." See, Paul's friends and the followers he ran into knew he would face hardships & trials in Jerusalem so they warned him away. It's much like the disciples warning Jesus away from the cross. Our human nature wants to avoid pain & trials, and keep our friends safe. But safety is not always the right road to take. Paul heeded the will of the Lord & gladly went were he was called.

Once Paul arrives in Jerusalem there is some controversy. Some Jewish Christians are saying that Paul had completely turned away from Jewish custom and was teaching other Jews to forsake their customs. If you remember back in Acts 15, the Jerusalem council had settled a disagreement concerning the entrance of Gentiles into the Christian faith. It was determined that Gentiles did not need to become Jewish to become Christians. To show that Paul was not working against the council's decision, he took part in a Jewish custom to keep the peace. Paul demonstrates a good point here - don't get caught up in the nonessential points. I call them heaven or hell points. Is the disagreement based on a foundational truth, something that is key to salvation; or is the disagreement based on minor issue that is open to some interpretation, for example woman not wearing pants or make-up or your believe on when the rapture will take place. "Paul was a man of strong convictions, but he was willing to compromise on the nonessential points, becoming all things to all people so that he could save some. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)." (NIV Study Bible)

Finally, prophecy has come true & the Jews of the city attack & attempt to kill Paul. The Roman commander breaks up the riot, arrests Paul & takes him to the barracks for questioning. Now, it may seem that Paul has gone through an awful lot in preaching the Gospel. He has, but notice he is not concerned with his physical life. He has found something much, much better to occupy his time with - a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul recognizes that the trials he faces only present further opportunities to preach to even more people. Watch & see what happens next!

The psalm today is a wonderful song of worship & proverbs continues to contrast the life of the righteous & the life of the wicked. It doesn't paint a very pretty picture for the wicked, now does it?