You Got to Have Courage

Remember the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz.  Even in our times of fear, we must press on and just like the lion said “It takes Courage”.

Acts 21:10-13 KJV  And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.  (11)  And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.  (12)  And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.  (13)  Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 

Courage is rooted in our commitment to do God’s will.  This wasn’t the first time Paul was warned not to go to Jerusalem.  When Paul first arrived in Tyre friends told him not to go to Jerusalem.  At this time, Paul is in Caesarea which was located on the coast.  They are at Phillip’s house.  He was one of the original seven deacons.

Agabus tells Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  Paul says it take “Courage!”  He says he is ready to die if need be.  This says quite a lot about his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  We may never have these circumstances in our lives but we all face frightening times.  

Consider your personal relationship with Christ.  What is it that you need to do to deal with your frightening circumstances?  

Deuteronomy 31:6  "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you."

I believe this verse explains the type of relationship Paul had with Jesus