Psalm 31
As I read this I thought that it may well have been a Psalm that Jesus himself would have remembered as he was going through his suffering. Knowing the faithfulness of God would have been the only thing that could have carried him through his trial and death. Again I reflect on how much I value the Psalms for their honesty in dealing with our very human experiences – suffering – fear – loneliness. God be our rock and refuge – Be the One who guides us through the valleys. God – only you truly know us and cares.
God’s knowing of each of us is so intimate and truthful. We are so apt at not being this with one another. But we have scripture like today’s that we can share together and find ourselves, together, calling to God for help and protection. And this does make me glad. [Prayer - LORD, I do cheer and celebrate your goodness - for all the times that people suffer, you are there. May we who know your presence share the good news of your presence. Amen]
Acts 21
Now we are getting to the pointy end of Paul’s journey and amazingly Paul’s resolve and faith gets stronger and stronger. This is a great story of how God’s Spirit works in community and individuals. Paul – obedient to the Spirit presses on for Jeruasalem. The church and prophets obedient to God’s Spirit warn him against doing this. Undeterred Paul cannot not do what he is compelled to do by God. And I love the verses 12-14 12After Agabus said this, we and the followers living there begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. 13But Paul answered, “Why are you crying and breaking my heart? I am not only willing to be put in jail for the Lord Jesus. I am even willing to die for him in Jerusalem!” 14Since we could not get Paul to change his mind, we gave up and prayed, “Lord, please make us willing to do what you want.”
The consequence of Paul’s obedience was the church commiting to God afresh “to do what you want”. [Prayer - LORD, may I do what you want me to do. Amen]
