February 13, 2019: SOAP #3359:  Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 20:22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Observation:  As Paul was making his way back to Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit had warned Paul about trouble awaiting him in Jerusalem.  In the next chapter we read of even more specific warnings.  Why wouldn’t Paul take the warnings and go in another direction.  He could have returned to the church in Antioch from where he had been first sent out on his missionary journeys.  But he had to go to Jerusalem.

Large flocks of birds follow an inner map across the skies of Kansas to their breeding grounds.  Salmon migrate through the ocean, swimming upstream, jumping the barriers, fighting the current against them, making their way up rivers and the little streams to the very place their fish ancestors had laid the eggs from which they had hatched.  It is amazing.

And the Holy Spirit in Paul served as just such an inner compass.  He heard the warnings, but he had no choice.  He was “compelled by the Spirit.”

Application:  The Holy Spirit can serve as my “inner compass” today if I submit my will and desires to Him.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, lead me today as you led Paul.  Impress on my thoughts and will your desires.  Be the inner assurance of what You have planned for me.  Make your will clear in my heart and mind.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!