It Starts Small

Today we continue with Paul in his journey to Jerusalem. A few days ago we read the Holy Spirit warned Paul:

except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.

Acts 20:23

Paul’s holy stubbornness did not care. Before Paul reached Jerusalem, the prophet Agabus warned Paul:

He came to us, took Paul’s belt, tied his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him over to the Gentiles.’”

Acts 21:11

Out of concern and love for Paul, his friends begged him not to go to Jerusalem. Paul was so determined, they gave up.

Since he would not be persuaded, we said no more except, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Acts 21:14

A question comes to mind. Why would his friends keep begging him to not go, if he was following God’s will? Why would the Holy Spirit keep telling people to persuade him not to go? Is God inconsistent?

NO!

In fact, in God’s mercy, He was giving Paul an opportunity to count the cost before he committed to count himself in the cause.

Paul knew he could not be lukewarm or a half-hearted follower of Christ. To him, half-hearted was to be half-dead. He knew that if he was going to be all in, eating bitterness was going to be part of the deal. Listen to what Paul speaks later when in prison:

For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

Philippians 1:29

Some of us are sitting there thinking, Is Paul not supposed to attract people to Jesus? Does it not turn people away when you tell them that there is possibility of suffering? You should be making people feel good.

No friends, we all need to understand what we are getting ourselves into.

Salvation is free but it is not cheap. It cost Jesus His life. Jesus is calling followers not fans. He does not need “likes.”

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:27

There is a cost to following Jesus and a price to pay. That price is ourselves, all of ourselves. There is no half-hearted believer in the Kingdom “new normal.” You either give your whole heart to God or you do not.

Is God asking you today for your whole heart?

Thoughts to Ponder:

• Looking back over your life, have you had to pay a price for being a follower of Jesus?
• Have you given your full heart?

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.