“I Am Ready”

“’You know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and tears and trials..; how I did not shrink from declaring anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house… But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God… I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God…  And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified…^‘

“When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them. There was much weeping..; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because… they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship…”

“The next day we came to Caesarea… A prophet named Agabus… took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ When we heard this, we… urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’ And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, ‘Let the will of the Lord be done.’ After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.” Acts 20:18-20,24,27,32,36-38; 21:8,10b-15a

Paul’s readiness welled up from Christ’s transformation of his heart, mind, and life purpose. Where he’d been a zealous Pharisee and persecutor, he was now a zealous apologist and evangelist, and nothing would stop him from giving his all to God’s call. He was vigilant and ready whatever came next because he was sold out, wholly committed to the Lord who owned, directed, and deserved His every breath and effort. He would never shrink from declaring truth that led to salvation and glory to God. (Acts 21:18-20a; 22:3-21; Philippians 1:6; 3:13-14)

Our readiness for what we face around and before us begins with commitment within us. Salvation-fueled willingness and gratitude always heeds God’s call.

Are we ready for today, for whatever divine appointment God scheduled on His books? Are we ready to stand firm, fully convinced of our call in opposition? Are we ready to enter daily battle with the enemy who never lets up in his mission to steal, kill, and destroy? Are we ready with an answer for the hope we have? Are we ready to meet Jesus face to face? (John 10:10; Acts 24:14-16; Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 John 3:2-3)

“To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage
To do my Master’s will!

Arm me with watchful care
As in Thy sight to live,
And now Thy servant, Lord, prepare
A strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,
And still on Thee rely,
Oh, let me not my trust betray,
But press to realms on high.” ~Charles Wesley (1762)

Lord, may I readily keep Your charge and calling and so glorify Thee.