The David Spoon Experience 1-4-24 part 2

1) Acts 21:13 is Paul’s response to everyone being so concerned for him and his wellbeing. These people who are warning Paul and encouraging him to stop moving in the direction of trouble are doing this for absolutely the right reasons. They love Paul, and they are only thinking of his wellness. But that’s the problem. Just like when Peter said to Jesus, “No, Jesus, you can’t die for everyone,” these disciples were not thinking with the Kingdom Purposes in mind. It isn’t a bad thing. But it is a short-sighted thing.

2) Paul’s response is: “Stop it, Chrissy…you’re breaking your mother’s heart.” Oops. That’s the wrong reference. Paul said, “You’re breaking my heart.” Paul was ready to be jailed for Jesus. Are we? Paul was ready to die for Jesus. Are we? So, the conclusion for the apostle’s brothers and sisters? Let the Lord’s will be done. We could all use a little more of that in our responses to life and family situations.

3) Paul, after connecting with an older timer, Mnason, met up with James, the Lord’s brother and the leader of the early church. He then gave everyone present a detailed account of EVERYTHING that God had done. Here is a brilliant idea. We should record, make a record, list, jot down, note, and memorialize the awesome deeds and answers to prayers of all that God has done in our lives. Start today.

4) James then identifies some early church distinctions between believers. He does NOT note that some of these truths that are being emphasized are wrong. Instead, he encourages Paul to “Put To Rest” that the apostle has no respect for the Law. That was not true. He even wrote that the things written before were for our benefit. But people take bits and pieces of someone’s message, like the government, the media, and academia, and twist what is being said to communicate something more egregious. And we thought that things were different now. Oh boy.