Illustration courtesy of OpenClips / Pixabay
What moves you? People and events can move you for good or bad. People and things that move you, hit your life with a force that knocks you out of your zone. In the context for today’s verse, Paul is talking to other Christians about the perils that await him at Jerusalem. Prior to his conversion, the Apostle Paul (then known as Saul), was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians. In a radical conversion experience, Jesus Himself appeared to Paul and called him to preach the Gospel. Once Paul realized that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, and that Jesus is the Son of God, he was moved to repent of his sins and began to preach the Gospel. His personal encounter with the living God moved Paul from the persecution lane into the proclaiming the Gospel lane. This angered many of the religious leaders, who then perpetually planned to create havoc and thwart the Apostle’s plans wherever he went.
The Lord let Paul know that he was to go to Jerusalem, and that much tribulation awaited him there. Paul told his fellow Christians, “none of these things move me.” The word “move” means to “make,” “to do,” or to “lighten the ship.” Paul refused to make or do anything contrary to His instructions. The threat of physical harm and imprisonment would not move or make him run away, or do anything contrary to the will of God. The burden was heavy, but he did not make any decision or take any action to “lighten the ship” or decrease the weight of his burden. He did not let things or people move him because he wanted to complete his assignment.
Paul made up his mind to “finish” his “course with joy.” The word “finish” as used in this verse means to “fulfill perfectly.” Paul wanted to do the will of God perfectly. When was the last time you did anything to perfection? When was the last time you did the will of God perfectly? Take time to think about how you will finish your race.
The word for today is #finish:
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 KJV
Until next time,”Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might!”
Your friend in Christ,
Verneda
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