Acts 21:7-14 – Gain Greater Than Loss
The apostle Paul has been represented by enemies of the truth as an unfeeling autocrat. That this is nonsense is evident from the sorrow of the Ephesian elders in the previous chapter (20:36-38). They sorrowed at the thought of not seeing him again! Likewise at Caesarea, his friends and fellow-believers wept as they pleaded with him not to endanger his life by going to Jerusalem. Far from being unmoved by this, his heart was ready to break. But he loved Christ above all and desired the presence and fellowship of Christ above all. He had tasted and seen that the Lord is good. We need much of fellowship with Christ on earth. We cannot have too much of this true heavenly-mindedness. Then the prospect of severing all earthly ties will be swallowed up by the prospect of perfecting that fellowship we have already known in its sweetness. The break with people and scenes so dear to us will loose its wrenching distress. We will be convinced that “to die is gain” (Phil.1:21). “To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph.3:19).
Questions
1. Can we love Christ too much?
Prayer Points
1. Pray that we would love Christ above all.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.