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Listening on the Journey

Listening on the Journey
Words of Faith 7-19-16
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2016
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
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Acts 21
After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. [2] We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. [3] After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. [4] Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. [5] But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. [6] After saying good-by to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.
The journey toward Jerusalem was an emotional one. Paul sensed very much the danger that was ahead. Each farewell along the way was quite emotional. The journey required a constant ear open to the leading of the Spirit. That is not always so easy.
After finding some disciples of the Lord in Tyre, the missionary group stayed there for seven days. “Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.” But they continued on their way nonetheless.
Scholars differ on the meaning of verse 4. Did Paul reject a message from the Spirit delivered through the disciples at Tyre? Or is it possible that he was obedient in a short delay such that “when our time was up” they moved on toward Jerusalem? Or perhaps the disciples in Tyre, learning through the Spirit the dangers ahead for Paul, urged him not to go on because of their personal feelings. All these are possibilities but it seems least likely that Paul would disobey the Spirit.
The journey toward Jerusalem for Paul was probably full of dread for those around him. Much like the journey of Jesus toward Jerusalem, those around Paul did not understand and wanted to protect him and steer him away from any danger. Well-meaning people sometimes confuse their own feelings with the leading of the Spirit.
But Paul was not listening to the advisors around him. For Paul there was only one advisor. He was listening to the Spirit. As we will see in the passages ahead, God had a specific plan. It was not the sort of plan any of the disciples would have chosen for Paul but God’s way is always best and accomplishes His will. Paul had learned long ago to surrender his personal comfort and desires to go where the Lord led him.
Listening to the Lord is not easy. We can be surrounded by advisors who are in the Spirit, yet give advice that is based in their own desire and love. The guidance of the Lord can be difficult to discern. It likely will not fit with worldly wisdom. It may lead down what appears to be a dreadful path.
In our flesh, we cling to safe places and familiar surroundings yet there is no safer place than in the palm of God’s hand! And there is no more dangerous place than out of His hand, in the “safety” and “security” of the world.
Listen to what the Lord said to Israel through prophet Isaiah,
But now, this is what the Lord says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43:1-3)
We can always trust the Lord. We are His and there is no safer place than in His hand.

Lord, guide me this day. I am listening. Show me the path You have for me for I know I am safe with You. In Jesus’ name.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2001, 2016
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2010 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.