Acts 20:22-24 (NIV)
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.
As I read this today preparing to make comments in this Catalyst blog the thought occurred to me: this needs no comment. What could be explained? It’s simple enough. What could be added? It’s profound enough.
And now we see the reason for the tearful goodbye of the Ephesian Elders. Paul knew this was it. They wouldn’t see each other again this side of heaven. But you get no sense of fear or sorrow. Paul’s statement shows he had no regret. This is where the cowboy rides away…
And to me, that’s the beauty of the life “compelled by or bound to the Spirit.” Hypothetically speaking, imagine you only did what the Spirit said and never did what the Spirit didn’t say. What a great life! You’d be fulfilled, joyful, and you’d have no regrets.
Paul only had one step left in his journey: finishing the race. Some of us start out fast. Others pick up the pace in the middle. But you can’t win if you don’t finish. This week I’m praying that you and I would let ourselves be bound to the Spirit in everything we do. Don’t know where you are in the race, but I’m praying that you will finish strong.
