The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 21:10-14, “As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands,
and said, ‘This is what the Holy Spirit says: “In this way the Jews at Jerusalem
will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”’
12 When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging
him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my
heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for
the name of the Lord Jesus.’”
14 And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, ‘The will
of the Lord be done!’”

This passage is one of the most remarkable in all of the New Testament.
Agabus is mentioned only twice in the Bible: here and in Acts 11:28. What
is remarkable is that in both instances Agabus cited prophesies that related
to the Holy Spirit; and in both situations, his prophesies proved to be true.

In the passage above, Agabus cited the Holy Spirit’s prophecy in a visual
message. He took Paul’s belt, bound “his own feet and hands,” and audibly
announced that the Jews in Jerusalem would “bind Paul’s hands and feet
and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”

In a strange twist of things, and despite the Holy Spirit’s pronouncement,
Paul insisted that he was going to Jerusalem, even if he were required to
die for the LORD Jesus! Luke, who authored the Book of Acts under the
Holy Spirit’s directive, says Paul’s friends wept profusely –yet, Paul was
determined –even to the death!

I am certain that I have insisted on doing many things that the Holy Spirit
had not led me to do. That’s exceedingly dangerous! I warn against it!
Then, why does Paul’s decide to go against the Spirit’s leadership? I can
only point to the reality of Agabus’ warning. From this point onward, Paul’s
ministry narrowed as it moved toward its climax.

Be extremely careful going against the Spirit’s leadership! Just don’t do it!
You may even continue to be a witness for Christ, but there is a price to
pay for turning aside from the Spirit’s clear directive! “But Paul did it,” you
say. Just remember that neither you nor I are the Apostle Paul.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom