Agabus the prophet takes Paul's belt and binds his own feet and hands, saying: 'The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'' Paul knows what's coming. He knows about the suffering ahead. And he goes anyway.
I work in international human rights advocacy. Part of my job is going to dangerous places where people are persecuted for their faith. I know the risks. I've had colleagues beaten. I've visited people in prison for speaking up about faith. The Spirit has warned me, essentially, about what I might face. I could choose a safer career. Instead I choose to go anyway.
There's something about knowing the cost ahead of time and choosing it anyway that clarifies your faith. You're not naive. You're not surprised. You're aware of the suffering and you're choosing to embrace your calling despite it. That's what Paul does. That's what the early martyrs did. That's what Christians around the world are doing right now. It's beautiful and terrible and faithful.
No comments yet. Be the first.