For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Acts 20:4-21:40
As Paul steadfastly made his way toward Jerusalem, God made it repeatedly clear to him that he was heading into hardship. Paul knew he was doing the right thing, so he chose not to let the pending hardship sway him from his course. He said, “my purpose is to finish my course” (from Acts 20:24). The CSB footnote states that some manuscripts add, “with joy” to Paul’s statement. So his purpose wasn’t simply to get through whatever was ahead of him; his purpose was to complete with his joy intact.
That hit me pretty hard, because I’ve been thinking a lot lately about that very thing. Life is full of unpleasant tasks, some of which last for very extended periods of time. Life is also full of hard hits that we struggle to endure. Nobody likes unpleasantness and hardship, and learning to be content in those difficult situations is a big step towards fully receiving God’s peace. But what if we could do more than just stay the course and endure? What if we could do more than simply be content? Along with peace, God promises us joy through Christ. So what if we could do the things we didn’t like with actual, genuine joy? The ruler of this world hits hard, but God is so much greater. So I know that both peace and joy are possible for us, even in impossible situations.
Acts 22:1-29
Why is it that people who oppose God act like bratty children? I mean, really – shouting, throwing clothes and dust, and demanding death simply because somebody said something you didn’t want to hear? What is that? It is sadly not unlike a lot of responses we see in people today. People shout speakers off the stage because they don’t want’ to hear anything that challenges the lies they choose to believe. They put horrific labels on those who confront them, no matter how gently and lovingly, with the truth. And they fervently seek the death of innocent people in order to try to silence that truth. One thing I can say for it, though – if we are willing to see, people readily show whom they serve.