Today you should read: Acts 21:27-40
Talk about serious commitment!
Paul, having already been persecuted and physically injured by the Jews, went right back into the thick of Judaism to preach Christ: the temple. How did he expect this to end? We will never know, but this much we do know: Paul had a heart for his people.
We must wrestle with this question today:
Do I have a heart to see my close friends and family come to know Jesus?
There is little doubt that Paul grew up with many of the people that were on Temple Mount. He was a Pharisee. He taught the law. He was well-known even before His days as a Christ-follower. Once, along with them, he persecuted the Church. Now, he begged them to believe the good news of Jesus Christ. Sadly, they wanted nothing to do with it. Their eyes are still unable to see the beauty of the Gospel:
“But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.” 2 Corinthians 3:14
Yet, Paul entered the “lion’s mouth”, so to speak, of his Jewish roots to present Jesus to his people. Even while they were trying to break him physically, his heart broke for them. His words found in Romans 10 ring true here:
“Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:1-4
Today, we’re faced with the reality that some of those we love most may never trust in Jesus, but that doesn’t negate our responsibility to pray for their salvation and share Jesus with them.
Lord, please give us a Kingdom heart like Paul displays in Acts 21.
By: Todd Thomas — Worship & College Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 